Investigation under way over claims adult butted boy at football match

North Yorkshire Police and the North Riding County Football Association are investigating the alleged violence at the match between Wigginton Grasshoppers U15 and Tockwith Juniors U15.

An altercation allegedly took place between two of the players with an adult becoming involved and headbutting a 15-year-old boy.

Another man is also alleged to have punched another following the match, on pitches at Wigginton Playing Fields, off Mill Lane.

North Yorkshire Police confirmed yesterday that they were investigating the incident but no arrests have so far been made.

Tom Radigan, chief executive of North Riding County Football Association, told the Yorkshire Post: “We are basically a couple of weeks away before a final decision is going to be made.

“We have given both clubs seven days from Tuesday to respond to us.

“We will then assess this with senior disciplinary officers in the association as to whether any charges will be brought on any individual or club.

“Incidents like this happen from time to time.

“The association has issued charges in respect to this type of offence before.”

The Football Association has the power to raise a disciplinary charge against an individual or club involved.

Mr Radigan said it would investigate whether the clubs failed to control players, spectators or officials.

Penalties given can include a fine for the club, suspension of a player or a touchline ban for an official.

The North Riding County Football Association says that if any charges were brought following the violence then the clubs would have 14 days to respond.

Both clubs have indicated that they did not wish to comment on the allegations until the Football Association’s investigation is concluded.