Twelve RUC officers have been injured in what was described as a serious disorder with Celtic football fans in a pub in Ballymena, Co Antrim last night.
Two of the officers are being treated in hospital, one for head injuries and the other for a broken leg.
RUC Chief Supt Bob Foster condemned the rioters for tarnishing Ballymena's reputation.
He said: "It's a small crowd in a town where community relations are excellent.
"This crowd brought shame on their town as a result of this totally unprovoked attack.
"We used the minimum force that was necessary and investigations are ongoing."
An RUC spokeswoman said that officers were called to a bar in Ballymoney Street where three men were causing a disturbance.
Police were met by a crowd of people who became abusive, and scuffles ensued.
Five people were arrested, one of whomhas been chargedwith assault.
PA