Setanta Sports Cup Quarter-Final 1st Leg, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin 4/3/2013 Shamrock Rovers vs Linfield The Union Jack is raised by Linfield supporters Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Donall Farmer

Setanta Sports Cup Quarter-Final 1st Leg, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin 4/3/2013 Shamrock Rovers vs Linfield The Union Jack is raised by Linfield supporters Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Donall Farmer

Setanta Sports Cup Quarter-Final 1st Leg, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin 4/3/2013 Shamrock Rovers vs Linfield The Union Jack is raised by Linfield supporters Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Donall Farmer

Setanta Sports Cup Quarter-Final 1st Leg, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin 4/3/2013 Shamrock Rovers vs Linfield The Union Jack is raised by Linfield supporters Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Donall Farmer

Two football fans have been arrested after trouble erupted at a Linfield match in Dublin last night.

The men were held during clashes with gardai at the Setanta Cup tie between Shamrock Rovers and Linfield at the Tallaght Stadium.

A garda was thrown from his horse outside the stadium. The garda was taken to nearby Tallaght Hospital as a precaution. However, his injuries are not believed to be serious.

The violence flared after a section of Linfield supporters managed to run a Union flag up a flag pole inside the ground.

Witnesses said a pocket of the Belfast club's fans clashed with gardai and security as they waited to go home.

Shamrock Rovers supporters had to be cleared from the pitch after a goal from Ciaran Kilduff.

There were also reports of sectarian chanting from both sets of fans throughout the game, which Linfield lost 4-1.

It was the first meeting between Rovers and Linfield since a 1984 European Cup tie.

The teams meet again next Monday at Windsor Park in a clash which is expected to be accompanied by a heavy security operation.

Belfast Telegraph