A PENSIONER died and violence flared after Saints' FA Cup match yesterday in what police described as the toughest situation they had encountered since the club's move to St Mary's.

The OAP collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack in nearby Andersons Road, though officers said his death was not related to crowd disturbances.

However, 18 fans were arrested for grievous bodily harm and public order offences in the aftermath of Saints 2-0 victory, including 15 Wolves' followers.

Three supporters from the Midlands club suffered head injuries during fights and were taken to Southampton General Hospital.

Police said small gangs of Wolves fans, who masked their faces with scarves, seemed intent on starting clashes with home followers after the final whistle as they left the ground

Chief Supt Graham Wyeth, match commander at the St Mary's Stadium, said: "It was possibly the biggest post-match challenge for the police we have seen since the relocation to the stadium.

"It did stretch resources quite profoundly but we were able to react quickly to diffuse situations.

"Regrettably after the match there were small groups of away supporters intent on starting running attacks on home fans.

"There were a number of incidents where we had to break up groups and move them on."

One Wolves fan needed treatment after being struck over the head with a brick near the ground, while two more suffered head injuries during a fight at The Elephant & Castle, Bursledon Road, Sholing.

Police dispersed several groups in the North Car Park outside the ground and at one stage drew their batons in a bid to quell disturbances.

Chief Supt Wyeth said the atmosphere in inside the stadium was relatively good humoured during the game, though eight of the arrests were made inside.

"From what we saw, the Saints fans were not provoked into retaliation, which I can only praise them for.

"We will be working with our colleagues in the west Midlands to progress inquiries. Violent behaviour at football matches will not be tolerated.

"Both clubs have worked hard to create a family atmosphere at events such as this and it is a shame that a mindless minority attend a match with the intention of spoiling it for others."