A child was struck by a bottle and a 19-year-old man arrested after disorder broke out ahead of Friday night’s Irish Cup semi-final between Dungannon Swifts and Cliftonville.

At least nine PSNI officers were injured during the course of the policing operation before the match at The National Stadium in Windsor Park, Belfast while fireworks, flares and bottles were thrown.

Police confirmed they would be carrying out a “thorough evidence-gathering operation” following the trouble.

The Parades Commission had given the green light, with conditions imposed, to a ‘fan walk’ organised by ‘Cliftonville FC Supporters & Red Fanatics’ ahead of the match.

Police officers dealt with public disorder before the Irish Cup semi-final football match at The National Stadium, Windsor Park in Belfast, which saw a child struck by a bottle and at least nine officers injured during the course of the policing operation, as fireworks, flares and bottles were thrown. Picture: Press Eye (stock image)

placeholder image — Police officers dealt with public disorder before the Irish Cup semi-final football match at The National Stadium, Windsor Park in Belfast, which saw a child struck by a bottle and at least nine officers injured during the course of the policing operation, as fireworks, flares and bottles were thrown. Picture: Press Eye (stock image)

A senior PSNI officer said that while the majority of football fans attending the game behaved in a peaceful manner, a number of people “chose to engage in disorderly behaviour and provocative conduct”.

South Belfast District Commander, Superintendent Finola Dornan said: “During an approved public procession ahead of the match, which involved approximately 250 people, our officers witnessed provocative conduct and the heavy use of pyrotechnics and fireworks – despite various warnings being issued against this.

"There were a number of potential breaches of the Parades Commission determinations in relation to the procession, which will now be investigated.

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"A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour, doing a provocative act, possession of fireworks / flares at a regulated match, indecent behaviour and attempted criminal damage. He remains in police custody at this time.

"Two other people were also reported for offences including the use of flares.

"The vast majority of fans were there to enjoy the match, however, there was completely unacceptable behaviour from a proportion of fans both before and after the match, at what should have been an enjoyable and safe event for all attending.

"Police will not tolerate disorder or criminal behaviour of any kind and, as always, we will continue to work with football clubs to address any inappropriate behaviour linked to people attending matches and ensure that the local community is kept safe.

"We will therefore be conducting a thorough evidence gathering operation in the wake of last night’s occurrences.”

The Swifts earned a place in the final after a penalty shootout ended in a 1-1 draw.