Recently there was a kids football game that turned into a violent affair after a referee had to sent off some parents. Police were called to the incident at Blackburn Central High School when about twenty adults and children starting fighting after the incident between two Under 16 teams.
The incident at the school off Haslingden Road has also been reported to the Lancashire FA. Police said no arrests were made but several people were spoken to after the incident.
A police spokesman said: “A fight broke out at a youth football game between two local teams, It was a public order offence and around 20 people both adults and children were involved. Three people were identified by police and had to be spoken to about the incident, No arrests have been made at this stage.”
On the Bolton, Bury and District Football League the match is listed as abandoned. The incident has been reported to the Local County FA and we understand there is a police investigation ongoing.
At this time we cannot comment further on the incident however we will update in due course.
Today’s reports are rare in comparison to the number of games played without incident. Although incidents of verbal abuse are currently at unacceptable levels and much more work needs to be addressed in this area, the reported levels of violence remains extremely low.
We know a lot of parents are passionate when watching their child play, and sadly that passion can manifest into incidents where referees have been verbally abused or anger has flared between parents.
This kind of behaviour can not and should not be condoned – however it is extremely rare to view extreme violence at a grassroots football match and there are a lot more positives associated with grassroots football that unfortunately does not get the coverage it deserves.