London/Belfast - Police in Northern Ireland Thursday charged eight men in connection with the brutal street murder of a Catholic man following a football match between rival clubs.

The men, aged between 18 and 50, are charged with murder, attempted murder and assault for the attack in which another victim was critically injured.

Kevin McDaid, a 49-year-old father of four, was beaten and killed by a Protestant gang outside his home in Coleraine, in the northern county of Londonderry, last Sunday evening.

He had gone outside to check whether his son was alright after the televised match had been won by Scottish club Rangers, which is traditionally supported by Protestants in Northern Ireland.

The killing of McDaid, a fan of rival club Celtic, has provoked outrage in Northern Ireland where politicians from all parties have condemned the murder. (dpa)