Hard core of 100 fans blamed for violence

Seven people were arrested following Monday night's non-league match between Luton Town and York City.

Luton supporters invaded the pitch after their team lost 1-0 to York in the Blue Square Premier League semi-final play-off, Bedfordshire Police said.

Six of those arrested have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

The seventh man, a Scandinavian who was due to fly home yesterday, remained in police custody.

The seven were arrested on suspicion of public order offences and being drunk and disorderly, police said.

Missiles including coins were thrown at York's players and riot police were called in after the Hatters' defeat at their home ground, Kenilworth Road.

The trouble appeared to flare up when Luton supporters invaded the pitch, police said.

Stewards and police had to help York's players to escape to the dressing rooms, via the away end, as missiles were thrown.

The violence then spilled over to Dunstable Road, where a small number of fans attacked police with mops and brooms they found outside a DIY store.

No fans were believed to be seriously hurt but a number of police officers received minor injuries.

Chief Inspector Bob Johnston, match commander on the day, said the level of violence and threats of violence from some of the supporters against police officers was significant.

He said there was 100 or so Luton supporters causing trouble. "There was a hard-core group of around 100 who we want to trace and get banning orders against."

York chairman Jason McGill said the incident had "taken the gloss off" his team's victory.

FA announce inquiry: