A BRAWL involving players, staff and members of the crowd brought an abrupt end to Worcester Raiders' 3-1 win at Bustleholme tonight (Tuesday).

Goals from Luke Molloy, Kyle Belmonte and Alex Marsh had put table-topping Raiders in control of the West Midlands (Regional) League Division One clash before a late strike from Myles Nettleford set nerves jangling late on. 

UPDATE | Bustleholme manager claims punch "from behind" instigated mass brawl

AS IT HAPPENED - Bustleholme 1 Raiders 3

It made for a spiky finish with opposing players seeking out confrontations with each other off the ball before many from each side became embroiled in a melee.

People from both benches raced on to the pitch and just as things appeared to be calming down, a member of the crowd made a break for it before Raiders players and staff attempted to restrain him.

More from the crowd followed and punches were thrown at two Bustleholme players, including stand-in goalkeeper Rikki Danton, before staff from both clubs managed to bring an end to the farce. 

Referee Pete Durnall decided to end the match with around two minutes of added time played but there was only a single blast of the whistle from the man in the middle rather than the standard three.

It follows on from the Claines Lane club announcing an investigation into allegations a fan, who a club official and witness identified as having travelled with visitors Sikh Hunters, threw an empty plastic bottle at the referee at Saturday's 2-2 draw.

Earlier this month, Raiders were reported to the FA by Darlaston Town over allegations of “violence, racist and abusive comments” at a match between the title rivals on Saturday, February 23.

READ MORE | Raiders to investigate allegations of fan "throwing a bottle" at referee

READ MORE | Raiders face allegations of “violence, racist and abusive comments”

Raiders chairman Kevin Jenkins indicated he wished to look into what had happened before commenting publicly.

There was no police presence at the stadium on the night.

More to follow