Shocking fight breaks out and seven sent off in scenes that shame Welsh football match

Derby day in north Wales erupted into chaos on as players from Rhyl and 1876 Bangor traded punches during a shocking mass melee at Belle Vue.

Seven red cards were shown during an anarchic and bad-tempered affair, which the visitors won 2-1.

The rivalry between the two sides is one of the most fierce in domestic Welsh football, with this the first meeting for the two Ardal North West clubs since they were reformed respectively from the ashes of defunct predecessors Bangor City and Rhyl FC.

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A tense first half saw the two teams go into the break tied at 1-1, but things took a turn during an emotionally-charged second 45 minutes.

First, Rhyl boss Gareth Thomas was dismissed shortly before Bangor's winner from Corrig McGonigle midway inside the second half. Then, with just six minutes left on the clock, Rhyl's Miles Jones was also given his marching orders.

The game then descended into a melee deep into injury time.

The incident is believed to have occurred as Rhyl tried to play a corner, with Bangor's Shaun Lock allegedly making an effort to delay the hosts from taking the kick.

There was then seemingly a confrontation involving Rhyl's Alex Jones and Bangor's Tom Clarke, which saw both players sent off.

But the verbal back and forth continued between the pair, before punches were thrown once again, sparking a melee involving both sets of players.

Further red cards were then shown to Jack Higgins and Aaron White of Rhyl and Corey Jones of Bangor.

It's understood the FAW are awaiting the relevant reports from the match officials before deciding on whether to launch an investigation into the incident.

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