A junior football match descended into farce at the weekend as players reportedly came to blows on the pitch, parents were accused of intimidation on the sidelines and a club’s assistant coach was ‘floored’ in the melee.

The cup semi-final match between Burnham and Lambourn Football Clubs’ under 16s at the George Pitcher Memorial Ground, in Britwell Road was an ill-tempered affair from start to finish on Sunday.

What happened is now being investigated by the Berkshire and Buckinghamshire FA which has taken statements from both of the teams. Thames Valley Police (TVP) is also investigating an alleged assault by two men on one of the players.

A spokesman for Berks and Bucks FA told The Observer: “We cannot comment on any ongoing investigations. We are monitoring it.”

Parents from both sides said tackles were flying in throughout the match and Lambourn had had a player sent off before the main flashpoint arose at the very end of the game.

With his side 6-1 down, a Lambourn player allegedly exchanged words with a Burnham player before punching him in the face – sparking a mass brawl with many players jumping in and parents racing onto the pitch to try and diffuse the situation.

Lambourn staff however have claimed that the argument arose as a result of abuse and intimidation from parents on the sidelines as well as bullying on the field.

One witness, whose son plays for Burnham, said: “It was absolutely disgusting behaviour.

“I’ve been involved in football for years watching my husband and son play and I’ve never seen anything as bad as this.”

During the brawl, one of the Lambourn players was allegedly assaulted by two men and left with bruising to his chest and injuries to his face and leg that required hospital treatment, police have said.

Burnham’s coaching staff deny that allegation and claim that their assistant manager, Eric Palmer, was actually floored as he tried to break up the fight.

Burnham FC’s coach, Ivan Harper, said: “I’ve been coaching for 10 years and this was the worst incident I’ve seen.”

Lambourn’s manager, Simon Sutton, said: “It was a very disappointing end to what should have been a very good day for us.

“My sole priority was the players’ safety.”

PC Matt Styles, for TVP, said the force was investigating the alleged incident between the two men and the Lambourn player.

He said: “We would be keen to hear to anyone who was at the match and witnessed the altercation to contact us.”

If you saw the incident or have any information Contact the police on 101 or charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.