Community festival game held up as opposing fans invaded the pitch
A charity football match in North Ayrshire descended into chaos after fans of both teams invaded the pitch and police had to be called to help restore order.
The Marymass Festival annual derby between Irvine Meadow and Irvine Vics was stopped for around a quarter of an hour on Friday night as up to 20 police officers rushed to Meadow Park, Irvine.
Trouble at the match, which raises funds for the Marymass Festival Committee charity, was sparked when Irvine Vics equalised to make the score 3-3 and a Meadow fan ran on to the park and allegedly spat at one of the celebrating players.
A small number of fans from both sides then ran on to the pitch to confront each other and both teams had to return to the changing rooms as officials appealed for calm.
We are clearly disappointed in the behaviour of some fans at the charity football match
Stewards intervened but the match was only able to finish once the police arrived.
Speaking afterwards, chief inspector Brian Shaw, Police Scotland area commander for North Ayrshire, said officers had attended the match earlier in the evening to make sure no alcohol was being consumed but left after being happy there wasn't.
"We are clearly disappointed in the behaviour of some fans at the charity football match on Friday, 19 August," he said.
“A full investigation is underway in relation to the incident including an alleged assault and police are speaking with the clubs involved.
“When the disturbance was reported to police by club officials, officers quickly re-entered the stadium, by which time officials had intervened and there were no fans remaining on the pitch.
“No arrests were made at that time and officers continue to analyse video footage and liaise with the clubs as part of that ongoing enquiry.”
A statement issued by Irvine Meadow said it regretted the incident.
It read: “Irvine Meadow Football Club regret the crowd disturbance that happened at Meadow Park on Friday night at the Meadow/Vics Marymass Derby.
“There had never been any trouble at this fixture before but the club intend to review its crowd control at future games, working closely with the police.
“The club would like to apologise to the referee and his assistants and thank the police for their prompt handling of the situation.”
The 12 day Marymass Festival is an annual festival run in Irvine each year by the Marymass Festival Committee. Organisers claim the event, which has been celebrated in the town for centuries and is based historically on a medieval religious festival and local horse fair, is the biggest community festival in the country.
The charity exists to promote and develop the festival and help develop a greater sense of community involvement though heritage and culture.
