Police inquiry after ladies' football match abandoned

Cleveland Police were called in after allegations that the match, held at the Eston Sports Academy, turned into a brawl.

They are examining claims that girls started fighting at the match between Middlesborough and Coventry after Boro player Kate Foster tackled a Coventry opponent and the referee waved play on.

A spectator then charged down the pitch and allegedly assaulted the Middlesbrough player, sparking ugly scenes.

The match was abandoned as the game threatened to descend into a riot.

Miss Foster was taken to hospital with mild concussion and a suspected broken nose, while the spectator was taken to Middlesbrough police station.

Police in Cleveland yesterday confirmed a woman had been arrested over an alleged assault.

Middlesbrough Football Club Ladies reserve team manager Trevor Wing said: "I feel sorry for Kate because she didn't deserve it. It's fair to say the girls weren't very happy.

"We quietened things down and we called an ambulance immediately. The police came and stopped the players while they were in the car park."

Mr Wing said the club would hold its own inquiry into the incident.

"We will be dealing with it ourselves internally," he said.

Marrie Wieczorek, Middlesbrough Ladies' first team coach, was not at the game but was told about the clash afterwards.

She said: "I have been involved with the Middlesbrough Ladies' team for 27 years and this is the worst incident I have ever come across.

"We have a lot of young players in our reserve team, some as young as 15, and they were shocked by what happened and very scared.

"It didn't last long and only a few players got involved."

Miss Foster was allowed home after receiving treatment in hospital.

Last night, a spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "We can confirm that a 17-year-old woman was arrested by Cleveland Police for an alleged assault at Eston Sports Academy.

"She was released on police bail pending further inquiries."