THIS shocking picture shows the moment a children’s Sunday football league match erupted in violence.

As two junior league clubs battled on the pitch, spectators took things a step further and traded blows on the touchline after a penalty was awarded to the visiting team.

One man required hospital treatment after the incident which happened at around 1.30pm at Salisbury Road playing fields as Broadheath Central Juniors U15 Sharks team took on Wilmslow Albion.

Following the scrap, the referee stopped play until the situation had calmed down before resumed the match, with Broadheath eventually losing 1-4.

One man who witnessed the violence, but who asked not to be name, told SAM: “It was disgusting. I was very shocked and it left me shaking.

“It’s a kids’ game at the end of day, and you wouldn’t even expect to see this type of thing at a professional game these days.”

Both clubs are now investigating the melee, and will exchange their own written version of events by the end of this week before deciding a course of action. The FA have also been informed of the ugly scenes and could hold their own investigation.

Chairman of Broadheath, Roger Anderson, told Messenger: “We are taking this matter very, very seriously. I was contacted on Sunday about the matter, and from what I’ve gathered it began after a penalty.

“Emotions were running high and there was some name calling. Then somebody was headbutted and there was blood, so somebody else joined in. I believe some women were involved as well.

“They should have known better though and been setting a good example. But both clubs are resolute that the matter will be dealt with,” he added.

Following a disciplinary committee meeting later this week, offending supporters from both sides face suspension or ultimately being barred from attending matches permanently.

Secretary of the Timperley & District Junior Football League, Brian Fletcher, who was aware of the incident, said the clubs could also face disciplinary action. “Hopefully the FA will deal with this very harshly - and we support that,” he said.

“Club’s are responsible for the conduct of their own spectators. In the past we’ve had £100 fines issued, and in very serious cases clubs kicked out of the league - and that’s also happened before. We actively promote the FA’s Respect campaign, and the players all shake hands before the game like you see on TV.

“But you have to put it into context. We have 100 games every Sunday, 70 on Saturday, that’s about 6,000 a year, with roughly five of these incidents a year. It’s not endemic.”