The moment football hooligans hurled flare into crowd after storming pitch at end of match

By James White and Rob Cooper
Last updated at 3:52 AM on 2nd December 2010

• Violence comes just hours before Fifa decides on England's World Cup bid

An investigation was underway today after hundreds of football fans were involved in a violent pitch invasion at the end of a Carling Cup tie.

A flare was thrown as Birmingham City fans ran onto the pitch and taunted supporters of their rivals Aston Villa following a 2-1 win.

Five people were arrested and 14 needed hospital treatment as violence broke out after the final whistle at St Andrew's, Birmingham, last night.

Trouble: A flare lands among fans as high feelings boil over at Birmingham City's St Andrew's ground after their game against Aston Villa

Thrown: The flare is launched towards rival fans in ugly scenes at the end of the Carling Cup tie

The violent scenes resurfaced in English football less than 24 hours before Fifa executives decide which nation will host the 2018 World Cup.

The flare appeared to have been thrown by Birmingham fans on the pitch at the Villa fans who chucked it back at them, supporters at the game said.

Riot police later formed a line across the pitch and pushed home fans back into the stands as their colleagues and stewards were pelted with ripped-up seats.

A pub outside the ground and parked cars were also vandalised as the violence spilled onto the streets.