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Officials await ref's report into mass brawl at GAA tie between Ballinderry Shamrocks and Kilrea

In a video caught by a spectator, punches and kicks are seen thrown by players from both teams
In a video caught by a spectator, punches and kicks are seen thrown by players from both teams In a video caught by a spectator, punches and kicks are seen thrown by players from both teams

GAA officials will await a referee's report before any possible investigation into a second mass brawl at a high profile match in two weeks.

Players, coaches and fans were caught up in the incident on Saturday, when Ballinderry Shamrocks won the senior reserve final in a showdown against Kilrea at the neutral ground of Ballinascreen in Derry.

During the game, disagreement over a tackle sparked a fight on the pitch between rival players.

In a video caught by a spectator, punches and kicks are seen thrown by players from both teams, before subs and backroom staff get involved in an effort the break up the violence.

The video also shows the fight spilling over into the stands, with players moving from the pitch to the main terrace, where the scuffle continued.

Once the situation had been calmed, both teams resumed the game, with Ballinderry ending up comfortable winners, taking the title home with a 3-17 to 0-12 victory.

Asked specifically if the county board was going to investigate the incident, a spokesman told the Irish News: "We are currently waiting on the referees report from the game."

This the second time in a fortnight a fight has broken out at a major GAA match.

On September 30, a tie between Maghery and Crossmaglen Rangers ended in violence when more than 20 people fought minutes after the whistle blew in the Armagh SFC semi-final at the Athletic Grounds.

Fans took to the field with many initially trying to break up fighting between players, before getting involved themselves. GAA backroom staff could also be seen in the skirmish.