Police have been accused of over-reacting following clashes between rival football fans.

The charge comes from innocent Middlesbrough Football Club supporters caught up in the wake of a pre-match fight between Hull City and Boro fans.

Humberside Police said they were pelted with missiles as 200 rival fans clashed before Friday's pre-season friendly game in Hull.

One Hull City supporter was arrested for a public order offence and the trouble was contained before the match.

Angry Boro supporters claim police in riot gear held them back for two hours after the match at Boothferry Park, before allowing them to board their buses for home.

Police said bricks and bottles were thrown at them during the clash before the match which Middlesbrough won 1-0, the goal being scored by England international defender Gareth Southgate.

A police spokeswoman said: "At about 7.15pm, we received a call to problems outside the ground at Boothferry Park and there were approximately 200 football fans in altercation - about 100 from each side. Police officers were being pelted with missiles.

"There were no problems inside the ground and the crowds dispersed after the match with no further trouble reported."

Boro supporter Lee Haley said: "I think it's disgraceful. We are supporters and we've come down to support our team and the police have totally overreacted."