AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a football match had to be abandoned following violent scenes between players and fans.
AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a football match had to be abandoned following violent scenes between players and fans.
Police were called to Witham Town's ground on Saturday afternoon after the referee decided to stop the game against non-league rivals Canvey Island.
Trouble flared at the Spar Road ground after Canvey Island defender Colin Wall fell to the floor, claiming to have been head-butted by a Witham player.
Angry Canvey fans attempted to remonstrate with the match officials as they made their way from the pitch at half-time and a confrontation ensued between them and Witham players.
Last night there were claims the Witham players were spat at, although the Canvey Island Supporters' Association alleged it was the away supporters who were spat at.
The match referee decided not to bring the players out for the second half and police were called to the ground, although no arrests were made.
Officials from the Football Association were at the Ryman League, Division 1 North game, including the referees' assessment officer and an investigation will be launched.
Witham officials are set to hold their monthly meeting tonight where the events will be discussed but have declined to comment until afterwards.
Glen Eckett
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