Police are investigating shocking footage of a skirmish in a Gallagher Premiership game on the weekend that appears to show a man throwing punches towards a female fan.
A clip of the fracas shared on social media was taken during Worcester Warriors' trip to Bristol Bears. It is being looked at by the Avon and Somerset Police amid claims that an eight-year-old was left with a black eye.
During the footage a man is seen throwing punches before being ejected from the Ashton Gate stands by stewards.
Avon and Somerset Police on Wednesday confirmed no arrests have yet been made but described the incident as 'completely unacceptable' and have appealed for witnesses.
Sgt Stephen Bell said: “We’re aware of an incident at the Bristol Bears vs Worcester Warriors rugby match held at Ashton Gate in Bristol on Saturday which was filmed and posted on social media.
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“We’re carrying out an investigation and officers are liaising with the clubs and making enquiries to identify the man in the footage.
“This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable at any sporting event and we will robustly deal with any criminal offences identified as a result of our enquiries.
“We’re appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident to call us on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5219064403."
Posts on the Bristol Rugby Supporters' Facebook group suggest that youngsters attending an 'eight-year-old's birthday party' were also drawn into the altercation.
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It is claimed the fracas arose after a female supporter threw a drink over him.
A Worcester RFC spokesman said: “Warriors are aware that police are investigating an incident at Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership match against Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate in which a supporter wearing club replica kit was ejected from the ground for allegedly throwing a punch.
“We are co-operating with Bristol and Avon & Somerset Police in their investigations.
“As this is an active police investigation it would be inappropriate for us to comment further on the incident.
“As a club Warriors take a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour."
