TEN men have been charged with affray after a flare-up between rival supporters as Tranmere Rovers played in a cup tie earlier this year.

Officers from Merseyside and Cumbria yesterday carried out a joint operation to arrest the ten on suspicion of violent disorder following an incident at the Prenton Park pub on Borough Road.

The men have been bailed and are due to appear before South Sefton Magistrates Court on May 9.

Trouble flared at around 3.15pm on February 25 as Rovers were playing Barrow AFC in the fourth-round of the FA Trophy.

Police said seven of those arrested live in Wirral while three are from Barrow.

Superintendent Chris Hitchell said: "The majority of Tranmere and Barrow fans went to the game to enjoy it for what it was - a football match between two passionate clubs.

"Sadly a relatively small minority from both sets of spectators seemed intent on confronting each other and officers worked hard to identify those responsible.

"The police will not tolerate the selfish and idiotic actions of a few attempting to spoil a game of football that the vast majority of people went along to enjoy.

"We will continue to work with Tranmere and visiting clubs to crackdown on any disorder at any future fixtures."