Ramsbottom United have sacked two players following an ugly mass brawl that marred their home clash with Buxton. The incident occurred towards the end of the Evo-Stik League match, with all 22 players and coaching staff from both sides involved in the melee.
The trouble appeared to be sparked by a wild lunge from Ramsbottom's Alex Meaney in front of the dugouts. Despite the chaos, only two players were sent off: Ramsbottom winger Dominic McHale and Buxton striker Alastair Taylor.
Buxton won the match 1-0 thanks to a ninth-minute goal from Liam Hardy. The official match report on Ramsbottom's website described the brawl as 'handbags at dawn', adding that it detracted from an improved performance from the home side.
Neither club, the FA, nor the Evo-Stik League have commented on the incident. However, Ramsbottom United have confirmed that McHale and Meaney have been released from the club with immediate effect.
