Video: Barnsley boxing match halted as battle erupts in crowd

A MAN was seriously injured after fighting broke out between spectators during an amateur boxing match in South Yorkshire.
Damo JonesDamo Jones
Damo Jones

The victim was taken to hospital after being attacked at the entrance to Barnsley Metrodome, where Leeds fighter Damo Jones was taking on Simne Lucas on Friday night.

Trouble erupted in the crowd half way through the British Masters Bronze light-middleweight title bout and escalated to a brawl involving dozens of fans.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite pleas from 20-year-old Jones and the master of ceremonies, the fight had to be abandoned as seats, bottles and other missiles were thrown between rival supporters.

Damo JonesDamo Jones
Damo Jones

Police were eventually called after numerous people were left injured. By the time they arrived the Metrodome had already been badly damaged.

Writing on Twitter after the incident, promoter Carl Greaves suggested the problems had been sparked by rival football fans.

He added: “Absolutely gutted tonight. What a great show then the crowd erupts between Leeds and Barnsley and the show gets abandoned b4 main event.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Tension had started the moment Jones entered the ring to take part in his first professional title fight.

Fans started goading each other from the first bell and things turned ugly in the third round as both sets of supporters charged at each other.

South Yorkshire Police are investigating.