2 hours ago
11
A non-league match was abandoned after shocking scenes saw players clash with fans during a mass brawl beside the pitch.
Footage from the incident shows tempers boiling over in the closing minutes before players and spectators become involved in a violent confrontation near the dugouts.
Several individuals can be seen pushing and grappling behind the goal as substitutes and other supporters try to intervene.
The most striking incident during the chaos came when the visiting goalkeeper punched one of the home fans in the mass that had gathered before his goal.
The ugly scenes took place during the Northern Premier League fixture between Avro and Kidsgrove Athletic on Saturday afternoon.
The match was abandoned in the 84th minute with Avro leading 6-0 against nine-man Kidsgrove after two earlier red cards.
A non-league match was abandoned after shocking scenes saw players clash with fans during a mass brawl
Footage from the incident shows tempers boiling over in the closing minutes before players and spectators become involved in a violent confrontation
The referee is seen blowing his whistle to halt play as officials and club staff rush to separate those involved, before the situation spills towards the spectator area.
Avro released a statement condemning the behaviour of those responsible and confirming that investigations are underway.
'Today's game between Avro and Kidsgrove was abandoned in the 84th minute.
'We as a club are appalled with the behaviour of some of the fans, players and officials of Kidsgrove Athletic.
'We will support and co-operate with both the NPL and FA in their investigation of the incidents which occurred in the 84th minute of today's game.
'Avro were leading 6-0 at the time of the event against Kidsgrove 9 men due to two players earlier being shown red cards on the field of play.
'The incident followed the dismissal of one of the Kidsgrove management team who wasn't on the field of play.
'We will await the reports of the referee and FA.
The most striking incident during the chaos came when the visiting goalkeeper punched one of the home fans in the mass that had gathered before his goal
Avro released a statement condemning the behaviour of those responsible and confirming that investigations are underway
'No further comment will be made from ourselves on this matter.'
Kidsgrove pledged to 'fully cooperate' with any investigation in their own statement on Saturday and insisted they 'do not condone any form of inappropriate behaviour'.
'Following the abandonment of today's fixture between Avro FC and Kidsgrove Athletic, we are aware of the statement released by Avro FC,' the statement read.
'Kidsgrove Athletic will be submitting a full report to the Northern Premier League and The FA regarding the events that took place. We will fully cooperate with any investigation and await the findings before making any further comment.
'As a club, we do not condone any form of inappropriate behaviour. We remain committed to upholding the values of respect and sportsmanship both on and off the pitch.'
The flashpoint followed the sending-off of a member of the Kidsgrove coaching staff, which appeared to spark arguments near the technical area before spectators became involved.
