Tempers boiled over after Hull City's dramatic 2-1 victory over Stoke City as players from both sides clashed following celebrations from the away team. Joe Gelhardt netted a decisive late goal for the Tigers, who marked the final whistle with jubilant scenes in front of the Stoke faithful.
The situation rapidly escalated as players from both squads confronted each other before the incensed home support. According to The Stoke Sentinel, Mohamed Belloumi provoked the fury of Ashley Phillips by performing a celebratory dance before the home supporters after Hull's last-gasp victory.
It sparked a furious reaction and matters quickly deteriorated as additional Hull players rushed back towards the altercation, with referee Lee Doughty issuing yellow cards after the match had concluded. Missiles appeared to be hurled from the stands as emotions ran high following the end of a dramatic encounter in the Championship promotion battle.
Stoke manager Mark Robins acknowledged the incident frustrated him after it erupted following the final whistle, lamenting the whole affair. He said: '(The referee said) one of their players has celebrated and incited the fans. Everyone gets involved, which they shouldn't. It calms down and then one of their coaching team, management team, has gone and said something and kicked it all off again. Now both clubs will get fined and that does my head in.'
Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic kept quiet on the incident, stating he didn't witness the mass brawl as he was engaged in conversation with his counterpart. Gelhardt's dramatic winner lifted Hull City into fifth position, just two points adrift of second-placed Stoke.
