Boys arrested after football slashing

Despite few problems, 700 officers were on duty on Sunday

South Wales Police have arrested two boys aged 11 and 13 after a man's back was slashed before Sunday's Charity Shield match in Cardiff.

Police were called to reports of a disturbance just before the kick-off of the Liverpool v Manchester United match.

They found a man from the Manchester area with a slash wound to his back caused by a carpet knife.

He was taken to hospital but his injuries are not thought to be serious.

Scuffles

Two youths - both from the Cardiff area - were later arrested.

Police have said the incident was an isolated one, and reported no serious disturbances elsewhere in the city on Sunday.

However, two police constables were recovering after being injured in scuffles involving football fans in the city centre on Saturday night.

One was taken to hospital with a broken arm after dealing with a disturbance, and a dog handler was assaulted and suffered cuts and bruises.

Officers said they dealt with several disturbances on the eve of the match - all of which were believed to have involved Cardiff City and Manchester United fans.

Public order

A total of 22 people - the majority from Cardiff and other areas of south Wales - were arrested over the weekend.

The arrests were for assault, drug-related offences and public order offences.

Officers said the outbursts on Saturday may have been organised by fans claiming to support Cardiff, who won their opening division two match 1-0 against Wycombe at Ninian Park earlier in the day.

The first disturbance broke out in St Mary's Street at its junction with Wood Street at around 2000BST, and was followed by another near the Poet's Corner pub on Clare Road at around 2220BST.

Police have said they are planning further arrests in connection with the incidents, and are appealing for witnesses.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that the Football Association is under investigation by the Charity Commission.

The FA is under investigation by the Charity Commission who say the Association has not informed those buying tickets what proportion of the cost is going to charity.

The Commission says the FA is required by law to inform those buying tickets what proportion of the cost is going to charity - but it has not complied with the requirement.

The FA has responded by saying that all non-costs generated from the fixture are donated to charity - and it has placed an article in the match programme explaining how the money will be distributed.

The Charity Shield has become the first club match in British football to be played under the complete cover of a roof.

An inspection on Sunday decided that the retractable roof should be kept shut for the Premiership curtain-raiser.