A BLOODIED Ipswich Town fan was rushed to hospital amid the worst scenes of football violence in the town for years.Fighting broke out after a gang of Town thugs charged the Drum and Monkey pub in Princes Street just before 8pm yesterday.

A BLOODIED Ipswich Town fan was rushed to hospital amid the worst scenes of football violence in the town for years.

Fighting broke out after a gang of Town thugs charged the Drum and Monkey pub in Princes Street just before 8pm yesterday.

The pub – well known as the town's main drinking hole for away fans – was packed with Portsmouth supporters.

A mass brawl developed involving dozens of fans from both sides and spilling out into the street.

Windows were broken and furniture destroyed at the pub and paramedics were called upon to treat several walking wounded.

The most seriously injured man was taken to Ipswich Hospital suffering facial cuts.

But despite eye-witness reports that he was "covered in blood" a police spokesman said his injuries were not serious.

More than 30 police officers descended on the scene and quickly brought the situation under control.

Town fans were separated from their Portsmouth rivals and physically herded across the street into Riley's snooker club.

A tense hour-long stand-off across Princes Street was relieved after police escorted a group of Portsmouth supporters to the railway station.

The disgraceful scenes took the gloss of Town's best victory of the season – a 3-0 victory over already promoted Pompey.

Drum and Monkey landlord Dave West described the scenes as "totally out of control".

He said: "The windows alone will cost thousands of pounds and then there's the furniture. I've only been here ten weeks.

"We are really upset with these football hooligans. All we are doing is trying to provide a service for people and they have let us down."

Inspector Martin Barnes-Smith said the fighting followed seven arrests during the game after supporters clashed.

He said: "Normally we may have sporadic little incidents that are quickly calmed but this one went beyond that and became quite violent."

N What do you think? Is this acceptable behaviour for football fans? Were you caught up in it? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk