Youth soccer match deserted as ‘mums race onto pitch’ throughout U14 chaos
An Edinburgh youth football match was abandoned over the weekend after parents entered the pitch following pushing among players, with one of the clubs involved describing the behaviour as “unacceptable”
Several players could be seen on the ground before tensions flared(Image: Supplied)
An Edinburgh youth football match was called off over the weekend after parents stormed the pitch following some ‘shoving’ among players. One of the clubs involved has since labelled the behaviour as “unacceptable.”
Edinburgh Live reports that two parents entered the field when a player was tackled mid-match during the game between Lochend and Blackburn U14s on Sunday, May 3, at Craigroyston High School. Committee members from Lochend Football Club told Edinburgh Live that the incident was beyond their control but nonetheless “disappointing”, adding: “We do not condone poor behaviour of players, parents or coaches”.
A tackle is believed to have resulted in players shoving each other on the pitch. The Edinburgh-based club stated that “two mums” got involved which left the referee with no choice but to abandon the match. Video footage shared with Edinburgh Live seems to show a crowd of players on the artificial pitch while shouts and whistle sounds echo in the background. Some players appear to be on the ground before coaches attempt to calm the situation, reports Edinburgh Live.
Players can be seen darting around the pitch, seemingly being pursued by members of the rival team. Adult voices can be heard apparently shouting: “Are you alright?”
It’s understood that no one was injured and Police Scotland were not informed about the incident.
A statement released by the Lochend Football Club committee member: “We can confirm that an incident took place at Sunday’s Lochend v Blackburn under-14s match, which resulted in the referee abandoning the game.
“From the club’s understanding, this arose from a tackle on the pitch which led to some pushing between players. While not acceptable, these things can happen in competitive youth football. Matters then escalated when adults entered the field of play, which should not have happened under any circumstances.
“We are not aware of anyone being injured. We respect the referee’s decision to abandon the match and accept that, once adults had entered the field of play, the referee was left with little option.
“This is youth football involving 14-year-old boys. It should not be treated as an opportunity to create headlines. Lochend Football Academy will not condone poor behaviour from anyone connected with the club.
“The matter will be dealt with internally. We will address the conduct of our own members, reinforce the standards expected at the club, and take whatever steps we consider appropriate.
“Lochend Football Academy works hard to provide a positive environment for young players to develop. We will continue to do that, and our priority will remain the welfare of the children involved.” An additional statement from the club committee noted: “A parent from the opposition then a parent from Lochend entered the pitch when they absolutely should not have done so. Both mums and likely protective of their sons, reasonable to a point but again nonetheless unacceptable. Nobody was hurt in the altercation.”
