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Football Association of Wales to investigate Rhyl v Bangor mass brawl
Image source, Matthew Ashton
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is investigating a match between Rhyl 1879 and Bangor 1876 which ended in a mass brawl.
The Saturday game in Ardal North West between two 'phoenix clubs' saw seven red cards and was won 2-1 by Bangor.
Rhyl manager Gareth Thomas, who was sent from the bench for apparent dissent, said the players' actions were unacceptable.
"The scenes that have followed at the end are not good enough," said Thomas.
"It's not what we've spent 20 months building-up this club to be and it's an absolute disgrace.
"Players can look at it, they've got to take responsibility. Not only have they let the club down, they've let hard-working volunteers down here, and that was not good enough and it's not something that will be carrying on at this club."
A spokesman for North Wales Police said: "We are aware of a video circulating on social media containing footage of a disorder incident that occurred within the playing area at the end of the football match between Rhyl 1879 and Bangor 1876 on Saturday afternoon.
"We are currently in contact with the FA of Wales as well as representatives of both clubs. Officers were in attendance at the match in order to maintain public safety, however we will now be investigating the circumstances of this incident, and will be considering any necessary measures to ensure the risk of any type of disorder is minimised at future fixtures."
It was the first-ever competitive match between two sides, who were resurrected after problems at long-standing north Wales clubs. Rhyl 1879 were formed in 2020 after the dissolution of Rhyl FC.
Bangor 1876 were formed by fans of troubled Bangor City in 2019.
Rhyl had already been reduced to 10 men before an incident in stoppage time which sparked the scenes that will be investigated.
Fan-captured footage shows punches being thrown and players and club officials involved in a minute-long melee with five further red cards also shown as the final whistle beckoned.
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In a statement issued on Sunday, 23 October, Rhyl said: "Our community club is deeply upset and saddened at the on-field events at the end of the game against our friends from Bangor 1876.
"We would like to thank the North Wales Police for supporting the game, both sets of supporters and especially our club volunteers who give up their valuable time to make this and every home game possible.
"We apologise to everyone who experienced the incident and this matter is being dealt with internally as a matter of urgency.
"We await the referee's report, and we will be making no further comment at this time."