Approximately 30 supporters from Bohemians, a Dublin football team, launched a sectarian attack on the Tavern; the last Protestant-owned city-centre bar in Londonderry west of the Foyle on Tuesday evening before a match with Derry City [BBC video report]. The mob of "about 30 males" attacked the bar when it was populated only by a handful of people, including two Canadian tourists. Current reports suggest the attack may have been planned in advance using the internet.

Happily, 4 of those involved have been arrested, charged and convicted already (it's just a shame there's no word on the other 26).

Follow up:

Their fellow-supporters (and other League of Ireland fans) were left as disgusted as anyone else by the incident, in which those responsible were heard shouting "Up the RA!" Bohemains fans seem to be organising a collection for Mr Curry, the bar-owner, for their next match.

As the men were sentenced to 3 months in prison, 2 began crying and they asked if they could pay Mr Curry compensation isntead. The judge asked Mr Curry, who was in court, which he would prefer. Mr Curry declined the offer and requested they serve the sentence handed down.

For a while now I've held the opinion that perhaps the biggest threat to the peace we currently have is from those from outside Northern Ireland who haven't had to live with the troubles, whether they be from the Republic or simply lucky enough to have been born after the worst of it. On the back of this, am I wrong?