Watch video of Celtic and Sunderland yobs in running battles as flare thrown, shop windows smashed and violence erupts

A CELTIC fan is in a "serious condition" after being attacked by a weapon and left bleeding on a Union Jack pillow before today's Sunderland friendly.

Videos show a group of Hoops fans throwing a flare and smashing windows at a shop where former EDL leader Tommy Robinson was signing books wearing a Rangers top.

In retaliation, a woman wielding a large weapon started swinging wildly at the Celtic fans.

A brawl ensues between both groups and they battle back-and-forth on the street.

After a few minor scraps, a Celtic fan is attacked by a man hurling a large weapon.

He is repeatedly hit and left bleeding on the floor.

One onlooker said: “All the bars around the Stadium of Light were full of Celtic fans singing and having a nice time.

“At about two o’clock a white coach pulled up and off got a lot of soccer thugs. They did not have any identifiable colours of football teams. They were singing anti-IRA chants and God Save the Queen.

"The police got between them. They had to back in all of the thugs to keep them away from the Celtic fans.”

Police arrived at the end of the brawl and immediately began attending to the man.

Ambulance services said his condition was "serious" and he was taken to hospital.

A spokesman for the North East Ambulance Service said: "We received a call from police at 1.57pm today to reports of a disturbance in Sunderland.

"Fortunately, there was only one casualty. One male suffered head injuries and was in a serious condition.

"He was taken to hospital and his injuries do not appear to be life threatening."

In another video of fan clashes, a topless man can be seen bleeding after suffering a gash to the head.

Former EDL leader Tommy Robinson went live on Facebook after the fights to claim Celtic fans attacked him with "flares and missiles."

He had earlier recorded a video message to Hoops fans making the trip down south.

Around 7000 Celtic fans travelled to Wearside to watch their heroes rout the Black Cats, with Callum McGregor netting a hat-trick.
Bizarrely, Robinson told his online followers that he hoped Sunderland were going to triumph against Rangers, not Celtic.

Robinson – real name Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon – discusses Hoops fans’ recent showings of solidarity with the people of Palestine, saying: “Palestine hates you.”

He also brands the Green Brigade “muppets” before ending the message by saying “we are the people, God Save the Queen”.

Robinson also tweeted a picture of himself at Fletcher’s shop wearing a Rangers strip.

Northumbria Police issued a warning to fans after the violence erupted.

A spokesman said: "At approximately 1.40pm today, police received reports of an incident at Fletcher’s Off Licence in Hendon.

"Police and paramedics attended the scene after damage was caused to the off licence and allegations of assault were reported.

"A man has been taken to hospital with a head injury.

"Police enquiries are on-going to determine the circumstances around the incident.

"Police are reminding all Sunderland and Celtic fans that any form of disorder, violence or any behaviour that endangers the public will not be tolerated and police action will be taken."

Celtic landed in hot water for a huge pro-Palestine fan demonstration against Israeli outfit Hapoel Beer Sheva last season. The Hoops were fined £8,615.

The club was fined £20,500 by Uefa for an illicit banner and blocked stairs during their Champions League tie with Linfield this month. The Green Brigade displayed paramilitary-themed flags before having their section shut for last week's match with Rosenborg.

In 2010, the Green Brigade were criticised for unfurling a giant anti-poppy banner during a game against Aberdeen.

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