Footballer attacked after match

A police investigation has been launched after a footballer was assaulted, allegedly by a rival player, after a match in Arbroath.

Elgin City defender David Niven needed hospital treatment for serious facial injuries after the Third Division game against Arbroath on Wednesday night.

The 20-year-old was attacked as he prepared to leave the Gayfield Park ground after the match.

Tayside Police said they were "actively pursuing lines of inquiry".

Earlier, there was a mass brawl on the pitch, involving virtually every player, following a heavy tackle on Arbroath's Jay Stein soon after the home side had scored a last-minute winner that secured a 2-1 victory.

As Niven prepared to leave the stadium later, he was said to have been involved in a violent confrontation with a member of the home team.

Pitch 'rammy'

After being taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, he was found to have suffered a broken jaw, missing teeth and suspected nerve damage.

Elgin City director Martyn Hunter said: "There was a rammy on the pitch, a stramash that rightly resulted in two players being sent off.

"About 20 minutes later, as David Niven was about to go home, there was a confrontation that resulted in him suffering facial injuries."

Mr Hunter said the two teams enjoyed a terrific relationship, which he hoped would not be prejudiced by the incident.

Arbroath FC said the club was currently conducting an internal investigation.