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A kids football game in Florida turned into an all-out brawl among parents amid claims some on the sidelines were placing illegal bets.
Blows were traded at the end of Saturday’s U8 contest in Winter Haven between the HOA 30 Kartel and Plant City Colts Certified Strikers, WTVT reported.
An unidentified parent allegedly struck a Plant City coach on the head after the team was on the wrong side of a 16-0 shutout, triggering the mass brawl.
Terrified kids in their football gear scampered as the fight broke out at the end of the game. One man ended up on the ground after seemingly trying to grab the legs of another parent, video shared online shows.
Meanwhile, others were seen aimlessly throwing punches.
A scrum of parents appeared to scuffle, but one wearing what looked like red bandana was seemingly armed with a bat.
Riled up parents had to be held back by others at the game, video shows.
“Stop,” one woman shouted as some men goaded each other.
The brawl was eventually broken up when responding Polk County cops rushed on to the field.
The cause of the fight still remains unclear – but it’s believed to be linked to gambling, according to WTVT.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd issued a blistering warning to parents.
“If you’re at these youth sporting events, and you’re gambling on these teams, we’re going to go undercover and look for that conduct, and we’ll arrest you quick,” he said. “That’s totally inappropriate on every level.”
No arrests have been made but parents involved in the fracas could be slapped with disorderly conduct charges once they have been identified.
Extra charges could also arrive if cops find evidence of illegal betting.
Altercations involving adults at kids football games are not uncommon.
A coach and referee slugged it out in front of girls at a flag football game in Massachusetts on Saturday.
In late August, coaches from rival Pennsylvania teams were caught on camera brawling – and it led to three people being charged.
Carlynton coach DeQuay Canton, was charged with a third-degree misdemeanor and is due to appear in court for his arraignment on Nov. 25, according to CBS.
Joseph Kubiak and Frank McGrath – part of the Keystone Oaks coaching setup – was charged with a summary disorderly conduct citation.