HUNDREDS of drunk students clashed in violent brawls during the annual varsity weekend.

Yobs threw flares and bottles, burnt banners and chanted derogatory songs in front of hundreds of spectators at the University of Sussex, Falmer.

Several people were taken to hospital as police were called to try to calm the situation down.

University chiefs have described what happened as shocking and disgraceful.

One witness said: “I have never seen anything like it.

“It was like football violence 30 years ago – rivals throwing bottles at each other and letting off flares.

“There were stewards and security on duty but they were helpless.”

Trouble erupted shortly after noon on Sunday at the football match between the University of Brighton and University of Sussex first teams.

The referee threatened to abandon the game after just eight minutes when Sussex scored as cans of beer and flares were thrown on to the pitch.

The match was completed but one of the assistant referees was struck three times by objects during the game.

Further trouble ensued during the rugby clash which started once the football had ended.

At least two female students were injured when they were hit by objects hurled during the match, which also saw supporters stage a pitch invasion.

The game was abandoned with bottles being thrown, streakers running on to the pitch and flares set off.

A joint statement by Professors Adam Tickell, vice chancellor at the University of Sussex, and Debra Humphris, vice chancellor at the University of Brighton, said: “The scenes witnessed today at the annual varsity sports day were shocking and disgraceful.

“A full investigation has been launched into events and any students identified as having participated in the disorder will face serious consequences under our codes of discipline. We unreservedly condemn the behaviour.”