A supporter with blood streaming down his face after Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal fans clashed outside White Hart Lane before their North London football derby yesterday.

Police on horseback were forced to intervene as events threatened to spiral out of control when a group of Arsenal diehards were entering the stadium. In the melee, some fans were knocked to the ground before order was restored.

The Metropolitan police later said two men were arrested in connection with public order offences. Tensions had been particularly high ahead of the fixture as both clubs are involved in the Premier League title race.

Arsenal's Francis Coquelin was sent off as the match ended 2-2, leaving Tottenham on 55 points and in second place, three points ahead of third-placed Arsenal. Leicester City lead the table.