Football hooligan probe after violence breaks out between rival Scots fans

Cops have launched a hunt for two men as a part of a probe into 'football disorder' at a Scots bar.

Violent scenes erupted at the West End Bar, Airdrie between rival fans ahead of Airdrieonians Scottish Cup clash with St Johnstone on Saturday, January 20.

CCTV footage has now been released of two men who police are looking to speak as part of their investigation into the incident.

We previously told how the bar manager at the popular boozer was hit in the head with a wine bottle amidst the ugly scenes which were sparked ahead of the cup tie.

Thugs descended on the town centre pub around 1.30pm on the day of the match, where they threw bottles and threatened other supporters inside the premises.

Police are keen to speak to a man who was was wearing a distinctive orange jacket at the time. The man was described as white with a slim build around 40 years old and was wearing a distinctive orange jacket at the time, with blue jeans and white trainers.

A further second male has been described as being around 35 years old, white, medium build, and tall. The man was wearing a navy coloured jacket, blue jeans an white trainers at the time.

We told how trouble ignited after a badly-misjudged attempt at a joke.

Online speculation linked the attack to a tongue-in-cheek online post by a St Johnstone fan, who had announced he’d be visiting the town, at the time, saying: “If any of my Airdrie followers want a square go, come to the West End Bar, bring your mates, you’ll need them.”

Constable Mowat of Coatbridge Police Office said; “We are keen to speak with these men who may have information to assist with our enquiries. I would encourage them, or anyone who recognises them, to please contact us.

"Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1585 of 20 January 2024, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously."

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