POLICE last night pledged no mercy for Middlesbrough football fans if they are found guilty of violence in the Czech Republic.

About 200 supporters had to be separated by riot police during trouble at Middlesbrough FC's Uefa Cup match again Banik Ostrava on Thursday night.

Cleveland Police have applied for TV and video footage from the Czech Republic and plan to make an extensive study of the material.

A 100-strong squad of riot police separated the fans at the Bazaly Stadium after seats were thrown and blows exchanged.

It is thought that travelling Middlesbrough fans bought tickets for the Bankik Ostrava home end.

The club was allocated only 900 tickets but thousands made the journey to see the team play in the club's first European away match.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "It will take several weeks to discover what exactly happened.

"If Middlesbrough fans were seen to be involved in any orchestrated disorder we will be seeking a banning order on them.

"A number of Middlesbrough supporters received head injuries during the disorder, some required medical treatment but it is understood that none of the injuries was serious.

" A decision from Uefa is awaited as to whether there is to be an inquiry."

A spokesman for the football club said: "We have worked closely with Cleveland Police throughout the build-up to the game, and fully support them in whatever actions they consider necessary. We are pleased there were no arrests and that everyone seems to have had a safe trip."

Rob Nichols, editor of Middlesbrough FC fanzine Fly Me To The Moon, who was at the match, said: "There was a flash point about ten minutes before the match and it was a bit ugly, but the whole thing lasted about five minutes.

"It was a massive shame because the atmosphere was generally good.

"You couldn't tell Boro or Banik Istrava fans because so many people had swapped shirts," he said.

Middlesbrough drew the match 1-1 but won 4-1 on aggregate.

There was a flash point about ten minutes before the match and it was a bit ugly, but the whole thing lasted about five minutes

Rob Nichols, editor of

Middlesbrough FC fanzine Fly Me To The Moon