A VIOLENT incident that resulted in football match being abandoned is due to be reported to the sport’s governing body.

Trouble flared during an all England Sunday Cup tie in Thornaby at the weekend when several men turned up dressed in balaclavas and carrying weapons.

John Topping, of Durham Football Association, confirmed on Monday night that a report into the incident would be filed at the FA’s London base on Tuesday.

Cleveland Police are appealing for information after the incident which happened at the start of the second half of the cup games between Thornaby Village and Wrekenton Blue Star from Gateshead.

The disturbance took place between several spectators after a local man left the park, returning with several other men all wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: “A cup game between Thornaby Village and Wrekenton Blue Star was taking place from 2pm at Teesdale Park on Acklam Road.

“At around 3pm an altercation took place between several spectators and a local man left the park, returning with several other men all wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons.

“One man was wearing a black jacket and blue bottoms but there are no descriptions for the other men.

“No one was injured however the game was abandoned at half time due to this.”

  • Anyone with information about this incident, particularly if they know the identity of the men in balaclavas, is urged to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website crimestoppers-uk.org