Up to 50 football fans attending last night's match between Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians at Tolka Park, in Dublin, were involved in clashes shortly before kick-off.
One man, believed to be in his 30s, was taken to the Mater Hospital for treatment after being struck by a weapon, reported to be a glass. His injuries are not thought to be serious.
Riot police as well as mounted officers were called in to maintain order following the incident and Bohemians supporters were detained in the ground for almost 15 minutes after the final whistle to avoid conflict.
A Garda spokesman last night told The Irish Times: "There was an incident at the junction of the Ballybough and Clonliffe roads, involving a number of youths. There was members of the Public Order unit in attendance to ensure order, as well as mounted officers."
A number of fans at the Shamrock Rovers supporters area of the stadium were ejected from the ground by uniformed gardaí during the match. Numerous objects were also thrown on to the pitch from the same area. Despite the incident before the game, gardaí said no arrests were made.
Commenting on the disturbances and the large Garda presence, a club official at Tolka Park said: "Such incidents at or around games like this are of course regrettable and those involved can in no way call themselves proper football fans."