A group of football fans rained blows on police, threatened to pull an officer off his horse and made cutting motions across their throats, a court heard.

Six defendants appeared at Oxford Crown Court yesterday and denied a charge of violent disorder after an Oxford United match against Reading FC on March 7 last year, at the Manor Ground.

Before the court were Robert Mechan, 32, of Kennet Road, Headington, Oxford; Geoffrey Hoare, 30, of School Road, Finstock; Simon Hill, 34, of London; Dale Bowman, 28, of Ballard Chase, Abingdon; Steven Salter, 35, of Lambourne Avenue, Aylesbury; and Felix Browne, 31, of Balfour Road, Blackbird Leys, Oxford.

David Bright, prosecuting, said all played a part in the disturbance at the Britannia pub, in London Road, Headington, just before the end of the match at about 9.15pm.

He said police were trying to contain them in the pub as rival fans were about to leave the ground nearby but instead there was a confrontation between Oxford United fans and police.

Mr Bright said: "Bottles and glasses were thrown from inside the pub outwards at the police, at least one bar stool was thrown, windows were broken and damage was caused inside."

He said police went inside dressed in helmets and visors carrying shields and batons to clear the pub.

The case continues.