THE Lancashire Football Association has launched an inquiry into how a junior football match had to be abandoned after police were called.

The fixture descended into a brawl after the referee sent off parents and fighting broke out involving players and the linesman.

Now the county FA are seeking the referee’s report to decide on the next steps in their investigation.

They are working with the police who spoke to three individuals at the match between Accrington-based Globe Park JFC and Tottington United at Blackburn Central High School.

MORE TOP STORIES: 

The under-16s game was sponsored by the Bolton, Bury and District Football League who are assisting the probe.

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

Roger De Nobrega, chief executive of the Lancashire FA, said: “We have launched an investigation into what happened.

“The association is currently seeking the referees report before the next stage of the inquiry.

“We are working with the clubs, the league and the police as you would expect.

“As a result of the full investigation charges could be laid and penalties imposed if FA rules have been broken.

“We don’t know how it started, whether it involved players, parents, spectators or a stranger passing by.

“It is not what you want to see at grassroots football but sadly it happens.”

A police spokesman said: “Nobody has been arrested but three people were spoken to at the scene on Saturday.

“Our investigations are continuing and we are seeking witnesses and trying to see if any offences were committed.”

Players and parents rom Globe Park JFC are to meet tonight to discuss the incident.

Gary Russell, chairman of the Bolton, Bury and District Football League, said: “We are assisting the Lancashire FA with their inquiry.”

A spokesman for Globe Park JFC said the club did not want to comment as the matter was being dealt with by the police and the Lancashire FA. A spokesman for Tottington United also declined to comment. The Bolton, Bury and District Football League listed the match as abandoned.