Football
Adriana Garcia 7y

Under-13s game in Mallorca erupts into brawl on Spanish Father's Day

Ugly scenes marred a regional youth game in Spain on Sunday as parents traded blows after an incident on the pitch between the two teams.

Local police had to intervene during UE Alaro's home game against UD Collerense on the island of Mallorca as violence erupted after a player who was fouled attempted to chase down the opponent that had committed the tackle.

Parents ran onto the pitch at first to prevent a fight between the teams but tempers flared. A brawl ensued both on the field and on the sidelines with 12 and 13-year-old players, and young spectators, looking on.

The violence was captured on video, while the game was immediately stopped and two complaints were filed, local police confirmed to ESPN FC.

The Competition Committee of the Balearic Islands Football Federation (FFIB) will meet on Wednesday to take disciplinary action following the incidents, with the two clubs having 48 hours to present written arguments.

UE Alaro denounced the acts of violence and posted a message on their Facebook page that read: "As a club, we can only apologise for the bad example that was given yesterday in our stadium, a disgraceful fight between fans and family members of the two teams.

"We are committed to educating our children and youth of our football sectors. The acts were extraordinarily serious and we will take measures, without looking for who were the good and the bad between one or the other."

Visiting team UD Collerense also condemned the incidents, tweeting: "How can we educate our children to NO VIOLENCE in sport with the example set by the adults. Shame and helplessness at this time."

Father's Day is celebrated in Spain on St. Joseph's Day which falls on March 19.

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