Police have charged 24 hooligans after a mass battle between scores of rival football fans in a pub car park.

The men were tracked down by detectives after a major confrontation between Aberdeen and Celtic casuals six weeks ago.

Several people were hurt, although none seriously, as up to 60 supporters clashed outside the Gordon Hotel on the outskirts of Aberdeen.

Some of the men charged had come from as far away as Dublin and England but police do not believe the fight was arranged in advance over the internet.

Fourteen of the men charged purported to support Aberdeen. The other 10 claimed to follow Celtic. Another six men were detained and interviewed but have not yet been charged as part of a huge operation involving police from Grampian and Strathclyde. Superintendent Adrian Watson of Grampian Police said: "This is yet again a clear illustration of how Scottish forces are working together to combat football hooliganism.

"My organisation is committed to dealing with all forms of antisocial behaviour and with the support of colleagues from Strathclyde Police we shall be reporting 24 men in connection with this particular incident to the procurator-fiscal. Enquires to trace others continue.

Chief Superintendent Kenny Scott, a regular match commander at Celtic Park and one of Europe's leading authorities on football-related violence, said: "Where appropriate, police will seek football banning orders in respect of any individual found guilty of offences. This will ensure their exclusion from football matches in the future."

The fight broke out after the kick-off between Aberdeen and Celtic on February 17. All will now appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on citation.