I WAS ONLY JOKING!

Violence erupts between football fans after call for action gets thugs’ response

- JACKIE GRANT

HOW IT STARTED If any of my Airdrie followers want a square go, come to the West End Bar, bring your mates, you'll need them HOW IT'S GOING

A BADLY misjudged attempt at a joke spectacularly backfired when it sparked violence between rival football fans at a pub.

Thugs descended on the West End Bar in Airdrie where they threw bottles and threatened supporters inside the premises.

Online speculation linked the attack to a tongue-in-cheek online post by St Johnstone fan Greg Browning, who had announced he'd be visiting the town.

His message said: "If any of my Airdrie followers want a square go, come to the West End Bar, bring your mates, you'll need them." But it turned sour when violence erupted at about 1.30pm on Saturday, leaving children in tears.

Video showed a baying mob fighting at the bar's entrance and it is believed yobs linked to Airdrieonians sought out St Johnstone fans who had travelled for the Scottish Cup tie, which Airdrie won.