Three people have been arrested following disorder after the Irish Cup final in Belfast that saw eight police officers injured.

Trouble flared following the clash between Cliftonville FC and Dungannon Swifts when fans of the north Belfast side were escorted by police past the nearby loyalist Village area after the final whistle at Windsor Park on Saturday afternoon.

It is believed a number of youths from the Falls Road side of the Broadway interface joined some Cliftonville fans in throwing objects including bottles and fireworks at police.

Other objects including traffic cones were set on fire as the disorder continued.

Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 3-5-2025 Police have come under attack in the Broadway area of Belfast as Cliftonville supporters made their way back from their Irish Cup Final defeat to Dungannon FC. Police were shepherding Cliftonville supporters from the ground across the M1/Westlink junction when some in the crowd threw bottles towards a nearby loyalist area. Police in riot gear then forced the large group of fans across the junction where they came under attack from some within the crowd and a group of local youths on the Falls Road side of the busy intersection. Fireworks, bottles and bricks were thrown at police lines as the crowd made its way back towards the Falls Road. Stewards had tried to peacefully move supporters away from the confrontation but some masked youths were intent on causing trouble. Several bins and traffic cones were set on fire on Broadway near its' junction with the Falls Road. The fire was extinguished by a firefighters.Fireworks and other objects were aimed at police during Saturday’s disorder. PICTURE: ALAN LEWIS/PHOTOPRESS (Alan Lewis)

In a statement on Sunday, PSNI Belfast City Chief Inspector Mark Conway said that while the majority of fans attending the game behaved in a peaceful manner, “a small minority chose to engage in criminal activity, resulting in public disorder in the vicinity of Broadway Roundabout at approximately 5.30pm”.

“Items were thrown at police and at least eight officers were injured during the course of the policing operation, although all remained on duty,” he said.

“Police remained in the area to monitor the situation and prevent any further escalation.”

Two of the arrests were for suspected disorderly behaviour, while a juvenile was arrested on suspicion of possessing a flare.

Five cautions were also issued for possession of fireworks, and Inspector Conway said these will be followed up with reports to the Public Prosecution Service.

“The vast majority of fans were there to enjoy the match, however we will not tolerate disruption, disorder or criminal behaviour of any kind,” he added.

“As always we will continue to work with football clubs to address any criminal activity linked to people attending matches and ensure that supporters are kept safe.”

Ahead of the match, Cliftonville FC said they had been advised that police would take “firm and robust action” against anti-social behaviour, and urged parents and guardians to ensure younger fans “do not become involved in inappropriate or unlawful activity”.

Cliftonville FC has been approached for comment following Saturday’s disorder.

Footage has also emerged appearing to show Cliftonville fans singing a song referencing the IRA as they pass police at the Village area on Saturday.