Baller League UK sport deserted after pitch invaded in violent scenes as pyrotechnics explode
A Baller League UK game descended into chaos and was abandoned after people invaded the pitch and pyrotechnics went off at London’s Copper Box Arena
A Baller League game was abandoned after a brawl(Image: Instagram/Portugeeze)
A football cup final erupted into mayhem and was called off as sides battled for a place in the Baller League season. The Community Cup showpiece began on Monday but was cut short when spectators stormed the playing surface from the touchlines whilst fireworks exploded in the distance at London’s Copper Box Arena.
Baller League is a six-a-side tournament featuring squads captained by celebrities and YouTubers, including Ian Wright, KSI, Idris Elba and Angry Ginge. The Last Ottomans faced Pathetico Madrid, vying to secure their spot in the third league season that commences next week.
Sides have previously featured former professionals such as ex-Newcastle and Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark, former Manchester United star Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and even ex-England international Jolean Lescott.
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Pathetico Madrid seemed to be controlling the match with a commanding lead before chaos erupted. Individuals wearing black clothing charged onto the pitch during some disorder, whilst players and stewards tried to usher them back off the turf.
Cries of ‘this is embarrassing’ rang out from the terraces as one supporter commented: “Your security team is whack, how do you let that in?’.
Sharing on their Instagram Story, Baller League UK announced: “COMMUNITY CUP MATCH ABANDONED. The league is conducting a full investigation into the behaviour of both sides. More information in due course.”
The final was a private affair with a restricted number of tickets distributed to each team. No fireworks were allowed to be brought into the venue, with the prospect that clubs could face sanctions from the league if they were discovered doing so.
The third season of Baller League is due to commence next week. It features a six-a-side format with competitions in Germany and the United States.
Games last 30 minutes and are divided into two 15-minute halves. Nevertheless, the final three minutes of each period are contested under ‘Gamechanger rules’, such as 3v3, long-range strikes counting as double or goalkeepers being prohibited from using their hands. These are randomly selected each match.
Arsenal legend Wright, who oversees Wembley Rangers FC alongside Alan Shearer, has relished his involvement. His team claimed victory in the second edition of the tournament. “This is something that, if I was younger, I’d have loved,” he said. “It’s real, skills, instinct and end-to-end football. This is what six-a-side is meant to be.”
Players including Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot have invested in the league that debuted in Germany in 2023. When it launched in the UK, Dalot said: “As a professional football player, I’m always looking for new ways to connect with the game I love.
“Baller League offers a fresh perspective, combining football with exciting entertainment. It’s a great opportunity to explore a new side of the sport.”
