https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/9648938/ ... ans-brawl/WIRE IN THE BLOOD Warrington Wolves and Catalans Dragons fans involved in shock brawl with yobs climbing into sponsors’ area to get at each other
A SHOCKING fight broke out on and off the pitch during Warrington Wolves' Super League loss at Catalans Dragon on Saturday.
Fans were pictured climbing into hospitality areas in an attempt to throw punches at each-other
It is unknown exactly what prompted the spectators to come to blows but it came amid a furious melee amongst the players.
A number of incidents in quick succession came with Catalans leading 30-10 in the dying stages.
Warrington were penalised for dissent after a knock-on call and the French team committed two high tackle fouls in as many minutes.
The second earned Michael McIlorum a red card and set in motion a huge scrap on the pitch.
Fellow Dragons star Sam Tomkins was also dismissed, as was Wolves man Jake Mamo for a second yellow card, as players squared up to eachother and jumped into the sea of flailing limbs.
As referee James Child took a backseat and eventually began disciplining the group, a fight in the stands of the Perpignan club broke out.
Glimpses of the ugly scenes were caught by TV cameras as supporters targeted a sponsors area, lashing out while leaping over barriers with a table spotted being hurled in the background.
Both clubs quickly came out to condemn the violence, Catalans chairman Bernard Guasch expressing his surprise at the incident inside his team's Stade Gilbert Brutus.
He said: "We are shocked at what happened at the end of the today’s game. [Our stadium] has always been a festive place and we are saddened with the scenes we saw tonight.
"We have never witnessed such incidents in 13 years in the Super League. We are now waiting for the CCTV footage before making any decision.”
Likewise Warrington, who can now only finish second after their defeat confirmed St Helens' position as League Leaders' Shield winners, expressed their shock.
A club statement read: "Warrington Wolves are deeply disappointed with the incidents at the conclusion of tonight’s fixture at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
"The club is working in conjunction with Catalans Dragons and Super League to gather further information, and determine the appropriate action required.
"The club does not condone this behaviour & strongly believes that scenes like this have no place in our sport.
"We sincerely believe that this behaviour does not reflect the vast majority of our loyal & supportive fanbase following the team in France this weekend."
A joint statement from the Rugby Football League and Super League echoed the condemnation.
It read: "The scenes are alien to Super League and have no place in our game. We will be taking firm action to make it clear this behaviour is totally unacceptable."
Catalans boss Steve McNamara dismissed criticism of his side's tactics, accused by opposite number Steve Price of frustrating the game, but was also left lamenting how referee Child took charge.
He said: "I'm clearly not happy with the whole of the game in terms of how it was managed. After the game I will take that up with the relevant people."