The shocking scenes of violence after last week's match between Urawa Reds and Gamba Osaka were a worrying development for the J. League, but that does not mean an era of Japanese hooliganism is dawning.
A brawl between both sets of players kicked off last Saturday when Gamba celebrated its 3-2 win on the Saitama Stadium pitch, rejoicing with an overexuberance its opponents took exception to.
Gamba's fans were also eager to rub Reds' noses in defeat, with one fan throwing a water balloon into the home section.