An under-10 girls grassroots football match was abandoned at the weekend after a large-scale altercation broke out during a boys league fixture on a neighbouring pitch at a venue in Wigan.

The incident, which reportedly involved a significant number of adults and children, occurred on the sideline of the boys match. Due to the proximity of the disturbance, match officials overseeing the nearby girls fixture made the decision to abandon the game on safeguarding grounds.

Young Players Left “Terrified” by Sideline Disorder

Witnesses present at the venue described scenes of fighting, shouting, swearing and aggressive behaviour. The under-10 girls team playing on the adjacent pitch were reportedly left distressed by the situation unfolding nearby.

Parents and spectators stated that the behaviour created an environment that felt unsafe and intimidating for young players, prompting officials to prioritise welfare and call the fixture to a halt.

Video footage circulating online appears to show multiple individuals involved in physical altercations. It is understood that this footage has been submitted to Liverpool County FA, which is expected to investigate the matter in line with its safeguarding and disciplinary procedures.

At this stage, no formal findings or sanctions have been announced.

League Statement Following the Abandoned Girls Fixture

Following the abandonment of the under-10 girls match that was taking place next to the incident, Wigan & District Youth Football League issued the following statement:

Official League Statement
We have been made aware of the conduct that occurred during this afternoon’s boys league fixture in the Liverpool FA fixture.

As a league committed to promoting respect, inclusion, and positive behaviour across grassroots football, we are extremely disappointed to hear of the incidents reported. The behaviour described is not representative of the standards expected within youth football and falls short of the values we collectively uphold.

We are particularly concerned that this fixture took place while young female players were present onsite. Football must be a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. There is absolutely no place in our game for language or conduct that could make any player, official, or spectator feel uncomfortable or intimidated.

Let us be clear — this type of behaviour will not be condoned in the WDYFL.

We fully support appropriate action being taken in line with league regulations and safeguarding policies. Clubs, coaches, players, and spectators all share a responsibility to model respect and sportsmanship at every fixture.

Grassroots football should be about development, enjoyment, and creating positive experiences for young people. We stand firmly behind any measures that reinforce those principles.

The league clarified that its statement relates to the girls fixture impacted by the incident occurring on the neighbouring pitch.

Safeguarding and Respect in Grassroots Football

Incidents of disorder at youth football fixtures raise serious safeguarding concerns. Grassroots football is built on principles of development, inclusion, enjoyment and respect — particularly in age groups as young as under-10s.

Investigations by Liverpool County FA are expected to determine whether disciplinary action is required under league regulations and FA safeguarding policies.

Further updates will follow once official findings are released.

Statement from Teamgrassroots

A spokesperson for Teamgrassroots said:

“Teamgrassroots unequivocally condemns violence, abusive language, intimidation or disorder of any kind within grassroots football.

While we are not involved in the organisation or administration of the fixture in question, we believe youth football must always provide a safe, inclusive and positive environment for children, volunteers and families.

We support the appropriate governing authorities in conducting a thorough review in accordance with established safeguarding and disciplinary procedures.

Grassroots football should be centred on development, enjoyment and respect. Any conduct that undermines those values has no place in the game.”