Football match ends in chaos as fans invade pitch and parents 'cover children's eyes'

Parents were left covering their children's eyes after the FA Trophy semi-final clash between and ended in chaos. The sides saw their clash decided on penalties before supporters from both teams entered the pitch at the Crown Oil Arena.

An intense atmosphere was present following the visitor's victory with reports of fans clashing with stewards and police on Saturday afternoon. Footage shared online also showed police vehicles arriving at the scene including Tactical Aid Unit vans, as the drama unfolded.

Police confirmed officers were called after fans from both teams 'entered the pitch' but the mob was said to be quickly dispersed with no arrests made, per. Nevertheless there were claims of physical altercations between supporters.

One AFC supporter said: "Spennymoor fans ran on the pitch in celebration with some taunting our youth. Our youth then ran on the pitch and started punching the Spennymoor fans randomly.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

"It took a while for the police [to arrive], the stewards tried to manage the situation but became overrun with skirmishes. A parent near me had to shield her sons eyes."

Another said on social media: "Fans invaded the pitch at full time and started scrapping with fans and police" as a third added: "To be fair both sets of fans had their idiots. Their fans came on the pitch and taunting our fans, so our fans then got involved too (idiotic minority of both sets)."

A spokesperson for said: "We were called after fans from both sides entered the pitch after the final whistle. We always have resources available across the force area and extra officers responded to the incident after we were called.

"However, working with the club’s stewards, the fans were quickly dispersed, and the away fans left on their assigned coaches. No arrests were made."

will next face Aldershot Town at Wembley on Non-league finals day. The team from County Durham had salvaged their dreams of playing in the showpiece event after Aidan Rutledge scored a 95th minute equaliser as his side twice came from behind.

"Wow. What a game, full of emotions," said Spennymoor boss Graeme Lee. "The character to come back and belief to keep going. When we conceded the first we lifted, we went at them quick and got a fantastic goal back. Then we sat off again.

"Not sure it's a penalty, but to get the equaliser in stoppage time, wow. To momentum into penalties and the lads who stepped up, the balls to step up and take those penalties with all the noise around them.

"The end, apart from the Rochdale fans coming on not happy and swinging punches at people, the rest of it, what a celebration."

and receive your daily dose of content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our