POLICE PROBE RUGBY BRAWL

POLICE were called to Rugby Town’s ground after a late tackle led to a mass brawl among players.

The Midland League Cup game against Coventry Copsewood at Butlin Road on Tuesday was abandoned in the 43rd minute by referee Darren Laska after players traded punches with each other during the fracas which lasted for several minutes.

Substitutes leapt off their benches to get involved in the melee.

Copsewood defender George Whitelaw was booked for the late tackle on midfielder Ben Ashby, but blamed the opposing players for the brawl which followed.

He claimed that after the tackle, another player kicked him in the side of the head as he lay on the ground. Laska sent two players off and booked another before deciding to call off the game.

Premier Division Rugby were winning 1-0 when the game was abandoned.

Police were called to ensure the safety of team officials as they left the ground.

Both teams now face the possibility of being kicked out of the cup competition. A Rugby statement said: “The exact reason for the abandonment is currently not confirmed. The outcome of the tie is also unclear. The club will await to receive full reports from the match referee and the MFL before commenting further.”

Warwickshire Police said that no arrests were made.