Police are investigating an attack on a Sheffield United supporters' coach and violent scenes in a Liverpool pub which marred the Worthington Cup semi-final clash between the two clubs.

A female Blades fan required medical treatment after coach windows were smashed causing approximately �10,000 damage.

Witnesses said the coach was attacked with bricks and stones on the way back to South Yorkshire following Sheffield's 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Tuesday night.

Supporter and club steward Albert Crimes said the trouble started on the road out of Liverpool.

Witness appeal

He told BBC Radio Sheffield: "There was a silver BMW involved with five men in it.

"They were parking up, stoning the coaches. and then driving down the road and waiting for them again.

"We had to knock out part of the window to continue our journey home."

Merseyside police confirmed they are investigating an incident in which a brick was thrown at a supporter's coach.

Unacceptable behaviour

Police said they are also looking into violence involving visiting fans which erupted before the game at the Arkles pub in Utting Avenue - 200 yards from the stadium.

Two people were slightly injured and match commander, chief superintendent Dave Lewis, said: "This is clearly unacceptable behaviour and not perpetrated by football fans.

"Only two incidents have been reported to us at this stage but we treat any incident which threatens the safety of football supporters very seriously.

"We did have to deal with an incident in a local pub where supporters of Sheffield United - I would not call them fans - caused a substantial amount of damage to the pub.

"We are currently examining CCTV in a bid to identify offenders and an investigation is underway."