Police say they have identified 20 people who are thought to have been involved in crowd trouble during a football match in Aberdeen.

Senior officers are believed to be close to making arrests.

They have spent the last two weeks studying video images and photographs taken during the disturbance at Aberdeen's Pittodrie stadium last month.

The Scottish Premier League match between Aberdeen and Rangers was held up for 20 minutes as home fans climbed onto the pitch after a player was hit by coin thrown from the way end.

Referee Mike McCurry ordered the players from the pitch as police reinforcements arrived in full riot gear.

Two fans were taken to hospital injured and those that remained were warned on the public address system that the game would be abandoned if there were further interruptions.

It is understood that the majority of the fans identified by the police are Aberdeen supporters. And most will face breach of the peace charges.

'Pleased with response'

A hotline launched after last month's crowd trouble received more than 100 calls from the public.

Grampian Police said it had been pleased with the response.

The Scottish Premier League is currently examining kick-off times for matches as the evening start has been linked with previous crowd trouble.

Aberdeen Football Club is reviewing the stewarding and security at its home games.

The club is also looking at following the lead of an Australian cricket ground where fans face a �5,000 fine for running onto the pitch.