Football match abandoned as goalkeeper 'punches fan' and huge brawl breaks out

A football match was abandoned after a massive brawl erupted on the sidelines, involving both players and spectators. Shocking footage circulating on social media appears to show Kidsgrove Athletic players clashing with fans in the stands.

In one particularly disturbing clip, the visiting side's goalkeeper from Kidsgrove can be seen throwing a punch at a home supporter as tensions escalated during the Northern Premier League Division One West face-off at Avro FC on Saturday. The heated encounter resulted in two Kidsgrove players being sent off before their player-manager Tom Pope was shown a red card on the touchline in the 80th minute.

One video captures him in a heated exchange with home fans behind the goal before being escorted away by club staff.

Kidsgrove players and substitutes are then seen entering the stand behind the goal and tussling with fans, much to the shock of onlookers, including young children, before leaping back over the advertising boards at the Vestacare stadium in Oldham.

However, the chaos continued as rival fans continued to exchange blows and kicks while club staff and home players attempted to quell the scuffle. At one point, a fan rushed in to join the fray and a man in a club tracksuit fell to the floor.

Once the fighting had subsided, players and fans were seen trading barbs and threats in a tense standoff as stewards attempted to maintain order. The match was eventually abandoned in the 84th minute with Avro leading 6-0 against a nine-man Kidsgrove team.

In a statement, Avro FC expressed their disgust at the behaviour of some Kidsgrove Athletic fans, players and officials, stating: "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."

At the time of the incident, Avro were leading 6-0 against Kidsgrove's nine men due to two earlier red cards. The incident followed the dismissal of a member of the Kidsgrove management team who wasn't on the pitch.

Avro concluded their statement by saying they would await the referee and FA reports and would not comment further on the matter.

Kidsgrove Athletic also released a statement on Saturday, pledging full cooperation with any investigation and insisting they do not condone inappropriate behaviour.

Their statement read: "Following the abandonment of today's fixture between Avro FC and Kidsgrove Athletic, we are aware of the statement released by Avro FC.

"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."

Avro currently hold the fourth position in the eight-tier Northern Premier League West Division, while Kidsgrove are sitting in 12th.