Violence Strikes In Stands

An outbreak of violence among fans at an England-Ireland soccer game in Dublin forced referees to cancel the match midway through the first half.

A group of English fans in the upper deck ripped up seats and threw pieces of wood and metal at spectators below and onto the field minutes after Ireland took a 1-0 lead in an exhibition match between the two national teams.

Several fans were injured by the projectiles, although none was reported to be seriously hurt.