Police were called to an under-10s Sunday League match over the weekend to break up a shameful brawl between parents supporting rival teams.

Coaches at Boldmere St Michael’s FC, in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, tried to calm the situation themselves after an on-pitch incident spilled into the  stands, but ‘police intervention was required’.

Footage from the scene showed parents attempting to take lumps out of each other as coaches ushered eight and nine-year-olds away and other parents rushed across the pitch to the Harry Peakman stand.

Those seen were slammed on social media and labelled ‘disgusting’ and a ‘disgrace’ and local police have said they will carry out a ‘robust investigation’.

The Central Warwickshire Youth League clash between the home side and Starlands Warriors had to be abandoned.

Police were called to an under-10s Sunday League match over the weekend to break up a shameful brawl between parents supporting rival teams

Coaches at the West Midlands club tried to calm the situation themselves after an on-pitch incident spilled into the stands

A statement from the home team confirmed ‘police intervention was required’ with West Midlands Police since promising a ‘robust investigation’

One X user claimed the scrap unravelled when a throw was given to the visiting team but opposition parents disagreed with the decision and things turned violent.

A statement by Boldmere St Michael’s FC read: ‘There was an incident involving two U10 teams. Regrettably this spilled into the stands. 

‘Despite multiple Boldmere coaches trying to calm the situation, police intervention was required.

‘Boldmere as a football club takes this situation very seriously and an internal disciplinary investigation has begun. 

‘The club will independently investigate, as well as cooperate fully, with any FA or police investigation. This behaviour will not be tolerated.’

One X user commented: ‘I wouldn’t want my grandkids seeing this, what type of example would you be setting for your children.’ 

Others suggested the parents involved should be banned from future games. 

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A West Midlands Police spokesperson confirmed there will be a ‘robust police investigation’ into the incident.

It added: ‘We were called to St Michaels Football Club in Boldmere at around 10.19am yesterday [Sunday] to reports of disorder.

‘We are aware of mobile phone footage circulating on social media which clearly shows disorder taking place.

‘We are liaising with the club to ensure a robust police investigation into what happened.

‘The local neighbourhood team will continue to work with the club to ensure that the safety of all attendees is maintained.

‘Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to get in touch via Live Chat on our website quoting log 1220 of 8 September.’

England Football’s ‘Grassroots Code’ for adults in youth football encourages parents to have a positive and respectful attitude, including by not arguing with match officials.

It adds that spectators should ‘appreciate grassroots football should be about children playing and having fun, not solely about results’.