Only the timely arrival of reinforcements for a small group of police officers prevented a battle between rival football gangs, Dundee Sheriff Court heard yesterday.

Five men aged between 20 and 37 appeared before Sheriff Richard Davidson charged with a breach of the peace after a pre-season friendly match at the city’s Dens Park between Dundee FC and Millwall.

Paul Michael Barr (20), Pitfour Street; Barry Andrew Greig (26), Brougham Gardens; Paul Richard Hunter (33), Finmore Street; Alan David Mearns (34), South George Street, all Dundee, and Paul Douglas Larnyoh (37), Kirkbank, Auchmithie, pled guilty.

They admitted that on July 14 in various streets, in particular Arklay Street, Dens Road, Victoria Road and Castle Street, they conducted themselves in a disorderly manner, formed part of a disorderly crowd, shouted, swore and gesticulated, challenged Millwall supporters to fight, repeatedly incited others to fight the Millwall supporters, refused to disperse when instructed by police officers, placed the officers in a state of concern for public safety and their own safety and committed a breach of the peace.

Depute fiscal Douglas Wiseman said about 150 Millwall supporters had visited. Police intelligence had not indicated any major disorder planned by so-called casuals.

The Millwall supporters had been kept in the ground at the end of the match to allow the Dundee fans to disperse.

A group of about 60 Millwall fans were being escorted by police to the rail station and as they reached Arklay Street a similar sized group from Dundee rushed towards them.