A JUNIOR football match had to be abandoned and police called after the referee reportedly sent off PARENTS — and a fight broke out involving players and the linesman.

Accrington-based Globe Park JFC were playing against Tottington United at Blackburn Central High School on Saturday morning when the incident happened.

The teams play in the Bolton, Bury and District Football League U16s A-division.

Police said they were called to the incident at around 10.50am after a fight broke out between approximately 20 people including both adults and children.

MORE TOP STORIES: 

One witness told the Lancashire Telegraph: "I was watching a different match when I heard a commotion from another game two pitches away.

"I could see everyone running about —there was a mass fight involving parents, a linesman and players.

"Apparently people were saying the referee had sent some parents off then the linesman got involved in a fight with one of the players and all hell let loose.

"Police were called and a few people had to be spoken to by them on the car park behind the building I believe."

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.

A spokesman for Globe Park JFC said the club did not wish to comment as the matter was being dealt with by the police and the Lancashire FA.

A spokesman for Tottington United also said they did not wish to comment as a police investigation was ongoing.