Officials are investigating a mass brawl which resulted in a soccer match in Worthing being abandoned.

Referee Simon Griffiths called a halt to the East Worthing versus Lions match in the 82nd minute after fighting erupted and spilled off the pitch.

Both sides blamed each other for the trouble and now Sussex County FA officials will decide what action to take.

East Worthing were leading 7-0 in the Worthing League Division Three match at The Rotary Ground in Worthing when Mr Griffiths, a Sussex County League referee, called for the match to be abandoned.

Mr Griffiths, who had sent one East Worthing player off in the 26th minute, said: "While I was administering a caution to one of the Lions players I looked around and found five or six players fighting each other.

"Then the brawl became 12 or 14 players. They carried on brawling off the pitch and some of the East Worthing spectators joined in.

"I have seen a few skirmishes before but certainly not to that scale."

He said he did not see who threw the first punch.

Michael Stacey, secretary of East Worthing, said: "One of the players threw a punch and that sparked if off. "

Worthing League secretary Laurie Claydon said both sides were new to the league this season, adding: "Why they should be at such loggerheads I cannot understand."