Hartlepool United Football Club's pre-season tour of Holland was marred last night as a minority of visiting supporters clashed with home fans in Eindhoven.

Sections of opposing fans baited each other in FC Eindhoven's Vriendschappelijk Stadium, and a group of visitors chased locals through the main stand.

Police were called and Hartlepool's hooligan fringe, who call themselves the Blue Order, were escorted to a separate section of the stadium. They were shadowed by police out of the stadium and to the train station following the final whistle.

About 80 Hartlepool fans were present and the trouble was started by a 20-strong group. One fan said: "It was an insult to the club and the good name of Hartlepool United."