A CAGED sport described by critics as a human form of "dog or cock fighting" is returning to Braehead. More than 4000 spectators sold out Braehead Arena to see Cage Wars when it came to the city in August.

Organisers hope thousands of tickets, costing up to £55 each with children younger than 14 being allowed entry with an adult, will be snapped up for the December 1 event.

In the five-minute bouts over five rounds, barefoot fighters without protective headgear can use their fists, elbows, knees and feet as weapons, while strangling opponents is considered within the rules.

Police, medical authorities and politicians have come out against the form of mixed martial arts which originated in Brazil a century ago.

Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan, head of Strathclyde Police's violence reduction unit, said: "I cannot imagine why anyone would pay to see people inflicting punches and kicks on one another in the name of entertainment, and I fail to understand why anyone would take a child to see it.

"Most of the audience will be able to see this sport without going on to commit a violent act - my concern is for those who might replicate it."

Glasgow MSP SNP Sandra White also believes the sport sets a shocking example to a city already suffering with a violent gang culture.

She said: "I don't think it's a sport at all and it is dangerous. It is hyped up as entertainment and seems to be all about making money.

"It is like a human form of dog or cock fighting. We are trying to get our kids off being hooked on violence and gang culture - this doesn't help."

Her view is backed by Dr Peter Maguire who is deputy chief of science at the British Medical Association and has dealt with head injuries as a specialist in anaesthesia at Belfast's Daisy Hill General Hospital.

He said: "The BMA is calling for a ban on all forms of this so-called ultimate fighting.

It's brutal conflict."

But the event's organiser and former fighter Johnny Burrows, 37, slammed critics of Cage Wars.

He said: "These people don't know what they're talking about and have no knowledge of the sport.

"When it started off, the sport may have appealed to the baser instinct.

"People needed to make money quickly and it suited their purposes to appeal to the lowest-common denominator, but it's now regulated."

Scott Martin, manager of Braehead Arena, said: "It may look extreme to some, but it's a well-run sport." Barbaric, inhumane, disgusting - but would you pay £55 to see it? Rose McLeish, 47, care worker, City Centre I think it is inhumane and disgusting. Should it be banned? Yes. I think there is a danger that it breeds violence. I mean it is even marketed in a way that aligns it with dog fighting or badger baiting. Ryan Muir, 17, unemployed, Bishopbriggs I watch this stuff all the time, it is brilliant. The guys that fight are skilled in things like karate. There's nothing wrong with it. I would definitely go to see it when it comes to Glasgow. Nicole McCreadie, 29, care worker, Castlemilk The first thing that I think is "would I want my son to see this?" and the answer is no. It is simply too extreme. I can see the sense of sports like boxing, but this is just too much. Brian Hendry, 50, shop worker, South Side I can see how people can get into it, I like boxing, but I don't think I would want to go to see this, especially if the tickets are £55. I can think of much better things to do with my money. Rachel Logan, 16, student, West End I don't like it. It really isn't something that I would ever want to watch. But at the same time I don't have a problem with it. If the tickets are £55 then you would have to be a major fan to go and see it. Richard Greer, 20, student, City Centre It isn't something I'm interested in but I don't think it should be banned. The people taking part have chosen to and I imagine it is regulated. If it was banned then it would go underground. Kirsty Marshall, 17, student, West End I liked wrestling when I was younger but this is a different thing entirely. I can't really understand who would get pleasure from watching it, but the fighters are there of their own free will. I don't see the problem. Colin Hunter, 70, retired, Cambuslang I have problems with boxing so I think this is absolutely dreadful. It is barbarism. It is extreme violence - I don't think anyone can say it serves as entertainment. It can't be described as a sport.