AAH, THE GOOD OLD DAYS

Last updated : 11 September 2002 By Editor
Kick-off was delayed in the Worthington Cup match between Watford and Luton after rival fans battled on the Vicarage Road pitch.

Up to 100 fans from either side fought with hoardings and pieces of the stand before 50 policemen rushed in to quell the violence.

Two fans were stretchered off with head injuries as police in riot gear struggled to quell the brawl between the arch-rivals.

Dozens of travelling Luton fans jumped the advertising hoardings and ran on to the pitch, from where they goaded the home fans.

Stewards were powerless to prevent blows being exchanged, and one fan received treatment from medics on the pitch. Another fan ripped up a corner flag and brandished it like a weapon.

The trouble worsened when, in the absence of a significant police presence, Watford fans ran the length of the pitch to confront those from Luton.

It took riot police, who emerged from the players' tunnel, five minutes to restore order and force the pitch invaders back into their seats.