The video will start in 8 Cancel

News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A Celtic fan is in a serious condition in hospital after ugly clashes between fans before today's friendly game at Sunderland.

It was one of a number of incidents of violence and disorder with hundreds of officers on duty as well as police horses and dogs.

Police, some armed, were forced to intervene as fighting broke out in the city centre between rival fans and bottles thrown.

In the most serious incident, the Celtic fan suffered head injuries in the Hendon area where former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson was signing books in an off-licence wearing a shirt of Rangers, Celtic's fierce Glasgow rivals.

(Image: © North News & Pictures ltd) (Image: © North News & Pictures ltd) (Image: © North News & Pictures ltd) (Image: © North News & Pictures ltd) (Image: © North News & Pictures ltd)

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: ”At approximately 1.40pm today, police received reports of an incident at Fletcher’s Off Licence in Hendon.

“Police and paramedics attended the scene after damage was caused to the off licence and allegations of assault were reported.

“A man has been taken to hospital with a head injury. Police enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances around the incident.”

The Celtic fan's injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

A North East Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We received a call from police at 1.57pm today to reports of a disturbance in Sunderland.

“Fortunately, there was only one casualty. One male suffered head injuries and was in a serious condition.

"He was taken to hospital and his injuries do not appear to be life threatening.”

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Robinson later recorded a video message claiming Celtic fans attacked women and children at the shop.

Robinson posted a video to his Facebook page, seemingly in the aftermath of an incident, with a man wearing a Celtic strip on the ground being treated by police officers.

The EDL co-founder claims in the video Celtic fans "armed with flares, bricks and missiles ... attacked woman and children in a shop."

He also claims the man on the ground had been "put to sleep" on a Union Jack pillow after the incident and that the man had used his belt as a weapon, the Daily Record reports.

(Image: Facebook)

(Image: Internet Unknown)

(Image: Internet Unknown)

(Image: Internet Unknown)

Robinson earlier in the day recorded another video message to Hoops fans making the trip down south in which he branded fans' group the Green Brigade "muppets".

Northumbria Police Assistant Chief Constable Helen McMillan said: “Unfortunately we did have some incidents of disorder in and around Sunderland between Sunderland and Celtic fans and while police dealt with them quickly, it is a shame these types of incidents happen at all.”

Before the match, Northumbria Police warned they would not tolerate disorder inside or outside the stadium.

The summer friendly which Celtic won 5-0 celebrates 20 years since the Stadium of Light first opened its doors and 50 years since Celtic won the European Cup.