Watch shocking moment fans run onto pitch and huge brawl breaks out as viewers say ‘beautiful game has been ugly lately’

FOOTBALL fans clashed in ugly scenes following an Irish Premier Division clash between Dundalk and Drogheda United.

Tension bubbled over in the Louth Derby with both sides battling in the relegation spots.

Following the final whistle on Dundalk’s 4-2 victory, fans from both clubs spilled onto the pitch at Oriel Park.

Footage of the shocking moment shows the supporters engaging in agressive fighting.

Some fans can be seen throwing punches while other horrible images showed fans kicking opposition supporters who were on the floor.

One fan even used a giant flag as a weapon, swiping it in the direction of oncoming opposition.

Players were ushered off the field and headed down the tunnel to ensure they were out of harms way.

Security and stewards were significantly outnumbered by the barrage of fans and were helpless when it came to trying to stop the melee.

Fans weren’t happy about the nasty scenes and took to social media to react.

One wrote: “It’s a pity, just when things are improving in the league.”

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While another added: “Nobody wants to see that.”

A third commented: “Very disappointing.”

And a fourth posted: “The beautiful game has been looking pretty ugly lately“.

Drogheda United took to their social media to release a statement condemning the clash.

It read: “All involved in Drogheda United sincerely apologise, especially to the families, but to all who witnessed the post-match altercations in Dundalk last night.

“The events that occurred after the match were unacceptable, and as a club, we condemn this unsavoury and violent behaviour.

“We are working closely with security staff, photographers and TV crews to identify the individuals involved and will determine appropriate sanctions once we have reviewed all the footage and have all the facts.

“Rest assured there is no place for this behaviour in our Club.

“The vast majority of our fans are exceptional, unfortunately we have been tainted by a very small minority.

“We will continue to focus on building and bettering a safe sporting environment for all to enjoy.”

The fans were ultimately separated by staff, security and police after the fighting had gone on for a number of minutes.