Violence erupted after a Merseyside football match, with players and fans brawling outside the changing rooms at the DT Hughes Community Stadium on Tommy Gent Way, Maghull. Footage shows kicks and punches being thrown, and children were reportedly led away in tears.
Police investigate post-match violence
The disorder followed Maghull FC's defeat to Birkenhead-based Cammell Laird 1907 on penalties in the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) Edward Case Cup on Tuesday night. Merseyside Police confirmed an investigation had been launched.
A force spokesperson told the ECHO: "We are aware of social media footage that appears to show an altercation following a football match between Maghull FC and Cammell Laird last night, Tuesday, October 6. Enquiries are currently being carried out into the incident. If you have any information, you can call 101 or DM us on social media @MerpolCC quoting reference number 26000823152."
Club alleges players were assaulted
An eyewitness told the ECHO that the unsavoury scenes erupted following an incident as the players returned to the changing rooms after the match. In a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, Maghull FC alleged that the club's players were attacked by spectators before the now-viral footage began.
A spokesperson for the Sefton club said: "Following events after our cup match against Cammell Laird, Maghull Football Club can confirm that Maghull FC players were assaulted by members of the public prior to the subsequent incident. The club is treating the matter seriously and has commenced a thorough internal review. We are also cooperating with the relevant parties as part of the ongoing process. In order to protect the integrity of that process, the club will not be making any further comment at this time."
Cammell Laird 1907 FC did not respond to the ECHO's request for comment.
Football authorities aware of incident
A spokesperson for the NWCFL told the ECHO: "We are aware of an incident at the Maghull v Cammell Laird 1907 game. As per procedure, this will be referred to the County FA who will investigate accordingly."
Liverpool County Football Association (FA) confirmed to the ECHO it was aware of the incident. A spokesperson said: "It will be dealt with through our normal disciplinary process. As the matter is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time."
Children escorted away in tears
An eyewitness said the brawl took place in front of a number of children aged as young as five, who play for Maghull's junior teams and attend the senior side's home matches to walk out with the players. In one of the videos, seen by the ECHO, a Maghull player appeared to launch punches towards a number of fans who in turn looked to assault him. A number of people are knocked to the ground by flying punches.
In another, the brawl appeared to be taking place on the steps of the club's changing rooms. One of the Maghull players then appeared to chase a member of the public before aiming punches. People can be heard shouting "what the f***, lads" while the fighting unfolds. The ECHO has been told that children had to be escorted away from the ground in tears.
Around 270 fans were reported to be at the match, which ended 0-0 before Cammell Laird 1907 won 3-1 on penalties. Similar disorder broke out in May this year when the Maghull club faced Droylsden FC at the Butcher's Arms stadium. Droylsden FC was found guilty by the FA, which led to a ground closure and the club having to play its first games of the season with no fans present.
