British police are considering taking legal action against Millwall Football Club after 47 officers were hurt in clashes outside the ground in London.
The officers came under attack from up to 900 hooligans at the end of last night's Division One play-off game.
Scotland Yard's Deputy Commissioner said he believes it would be the first time any police force has sued a football club.
Mr Ian Blair said the violence his officers suffered was "totally unacceptable". A total of 26 of the 34 horses on duty were injured and one of them nearly died.
Mr Blair is to meet the club's bosses and the Football League before deciding if the force should sue.
Missiles including bricks, paving stones, flares and thunder-flash explosives were thrown at officers.
One police horse, named Alamein, suffered serious injuries when a thunder-flash exploded beneath it. The frightened animal reared and came smashing down through a car, severing an artery in its leg.
Twenty-five other horses were injured, with three needing veterinary care. Two of the injured horses had recently helped escort the Queen Mother's funeral cortege.
The wounded officers suffered a wide range of injuries, including a broken leg, arm and foot. One man who needed several stitches to his face.
Trouble erupted outside the ground after the match against Birmingham City in which Millwall were eliminated from the play-offs for promotion to the Premier League.
PA