A section of Linfield fans raised a Union Jack flag on a flagpole in Tallaght stadium, following the end of last night’s Setanta Cup quarter final game against Shamrock Rovers.

Supporters of the Belfast club clashed with gardaí after a game that was expected to be played in an atmosphere high on tension, but ultimately passed off with little incident. There had been little by way of disturbance before trouble between visiting fans and gardai after the final whistle. Two Linfield supporters were arrested during the disturbances.

The Setanta Sports Cup has passed off with few incidents of trouble between fans of clubs from the League of Ireland and Irish League and initial fears of sectarian violence between fans proved to be unfounded. The competition has been praised for its success in improving cross broder relations and has been held up as an example of the viability of a 32 county league.

Rovers won the game 4-1 to set themselves up comfortably for next Monday's return leg in Belfast. Goals from Ciarán Kilduff (2), Ronan Finn and Stephen Rice mean Trevor Croly's side look set to take their place in the semi-finals.