Four police officers were injured as they tried to control fans who clashed at last night’s Oxford United game at Luton.

A senior Bedfordshire Police officer condemned the supporters who caused trouble at Kenilworth Road fixture, which the U’s lost 2-1 and said their actions marred a good sporting occasion.

Two people were arrested after disorder broke out.

Bedfordshire Police said officers received minor injuries as they tried to bring the situation under control.

Chief Supt Mike Colbourne, divisional commander for Luton, who was on duty at the time, said: “I am disappointed that an exciting sporting occasion, with a good crowd, was marred by these ugly scenes.

“Fortunately, the outcome was not too serious in terms of injuries to my officers or other people.

“After some issues at the reverse fixture we had put on a lot of extra officers to police this game, including police horses.

“Although there were one or two outbreaks of disorder in town during the afternoon, we were pleased with the way it had gone up until fans started fighting among themselves in the home end during the match.

“We had a robust but fair policing presence in the town centre and outside the ground with in excess of 100 officers involved in the operation.

“When the police were required inside the ground, in support of the club’s own stewards, we dealt with that disorder and then moved to escort the Oxford fans away from the ground safely.

“We’ll now be looking to see if any further arrests are necessary or possible.”

Trouble appeared to start between supporters of Luton Town in the stand after a minority of fans became abusive towards Luton Town’s own stewards as the team beat Oxford 2-1.

While stewards would normally be responsible for security inside Kenilworth Road, they were forced to call for police support as the situation turned violent and stewards were attacked in the stands as they attempted to keep safety access routes clear.

Bedfordshire Police said by 10pm the ground was nearly empty and although the town centre was busy with some of the 8,000 fans staying behind in pubs after the game, minor outbreaks of disorder were effectively dealt with by the policing operation.

Anyone who can help identify those involved in this incident is urged to contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on 01234 841212, or text 07786 200011, or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.