Supporters of Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers clashed in north central Dublin before tonight’s SSE Airtricity league game at Dalymount Park.
FM 104 sports reporter Darren Cleary happened to be passing by and witnessed the trouble between the supporters.
A group of approximately 50 supporters charged down Dorest St and tried to violently force their way into Caulfield's Hotel where opposition supporters were located.
A group of approx 50 fans tried to force their way into Caulfields hotel, where rivals had gathered before the game pic.twitter.com/bOARtTa9VI
— Darren Cleary (@RadioCleary) March 21, 2014
“The supporters used umbrellas to smash their way into the hotel,” explained Cleary.
“The group in the hotel made their way out wielding glasses, bottles and chairs.”
“Gardaí were on site very quickly as the fans clashed on Dorest St. for a couple of minutes."
Two Gardai on bicycles were in the area as the stampeding group of fans attacked the hotel. Garda vans and squad cars arrived within 3 mins
— Darren Cleary (@RadioCleary) March 21, 2014
The fans then dispersed in the directions of both Dalymount Park and Drumcondra.
“The scene was clearly quickly by the gardaí” added Cleary, "although there was a substantial amount of damage on the road from the hotel".