The soccer game was called off after a large brawl broke out on the sideline, involving both players and spectators. Shocking footage circulating on social media shows Kidsgrove Athletic players clashing with fans in the stands.
Particularly worrying footage shows the visiting team’s goalkeeper, from Kidsgrove, punching a home supporter as tensions rose during Saturday’s Northern Premier League Division One West clash at Avro FC. As a result of the heated encounter, two Kidsgrove players were sent off and player/manager Tom Pope was shown a red card on the touchline in the 80th minute.
One video shows him having a heated exchange with home fans behind the goal before being escorted out by club staff.
Kids Glove players and substitutes were then seen entering the stands behind the goal and scuffling with fans, shocking onlookers including young children before flying over an advertising board at Oldham’s Vestacare Stadium.
However, chaos continued as rival fans continued to exchange punches and kicks while club staff and home players tried to break up the brawl. At one point, a fan rushed in to join the fray, causing a man wearing a club jersey to fall to the floor.
After the fighting subsided, players and fans were seen exchanging abuse and threats in a tense standoff as stewards tried to maintain order. The match was eventually called off in the 84th minute, with Avro leading 6-0 against the nine-a-side Kids Glove team.
In a statement, Avro FC expressed disgust at the actions of some fans, players and officials at Kidsgrove Athletic, saying: “As a club, we are appalled by the actions of some fans, players and officials at Kidsgrove Athletic.
“We will assist and co-operate with both the NPL and the FA in their investigation into the incident that occurred in the 84th minute of today’s match.”
At the time of the incident, Avro was leading 6-0 against Kids Glove’s nine players due to the previous two red cards. The incident followed the sacking of a member of Kids Glove’s management team who was not on the pitch.
Avro concluded his statement by saying he would not comment further on the matter pending the report from the referee and the FA.
Kidsgrove Athletic also released a statement on Saturday, pledging to fully cooperate with any investigation and saying they do not condone inappropriate behavior.
Their statement read: “Following the cancellation of today’s match between Avro FC and Kidsgrove Athletic, we are aware of the statement issued by Avro FC.
“Kidsgrove Athletic will be providing a full report to the Northern Premier League and the FA regarding the events that occurred. We will co-operate fully with the investigation and will await the outcome of the investigation before making any further comment.”
“As a club, we do not tolerate any form of inappropriate behavior. We remain committed to upholding our values of respect and sportsmanship on and off the pitch.”
Avro currently sit in fourth place in the eight-division Northern Premier League West, with Kidsgrove in 12th place.
