A raging batsman allegedly headbutted an opposition bowler bringing a heated cricket match to a premature end yesterday.
The Rainhill Cricket Club player had been caught out by Eccleston Cricket Club during the Lancashire Knockout Cup tie, but as he left the pitch he became involved in a confrontation with the Eccleston bowler.
The Merseyside club has now suspended its player indefinitely while a report from the umpire is produced.
Eccleston's official Twitter account posted: "Shocking scenes at ECC today in our Lancashire cup game - Rainhill batsman headbutts our bowler after being given out caught behind. Umpires have abandoned the game due to the assault on our bowler."
The ECHO understands the match was a bad tempered affair with clashes between the sides throughout.
John Williams, chairman of the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition which counts Rainhill as a member, told the ECHO: "We have been made aware of an incident in the Lancashire knockout fixture between Eccleston and Rainhill on Sunday which resulted in the game being abandoned and a disciplinary report being made on a Rainhill player.
"The matter will now be dealt with in accordance with our disciplinary procedures and we await all the details in a report from the umpires.
"Meanwhile we can confirm that Rainhill CC has immediately suspended the player indefinitely until the disciplinary hearing."
Mr Williams said he did not believe the police had been involved.
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Ray Taylor, from Lancashire Cricket Foundation, which organises the knockout tournament, said the outcome of the match is yet to be determined and the organisation is awaiting the umpire's report.
Both Rainhill and Eccleston cricket clubs have been approached for comment.
The incident came on the first day of the cup competition, which involves 54 clubs from 10 leagues.
