POLICE are investigating a crowd skirmish during Worcester Warriors’ match at Bristol Bears that allegedly left an eight-year-old boy “with a black eye”.

A spectator wearing Warriors clothing was ejected from Ashton Gate on Saturday amid claims of him “throwing a punch” towards a female supporter.

A video has been circulating on social media showing a man lashing out at someone in front of him before appearing to be escorted from the stand by a steward.

Both clubs have issued statements confirming an investigation has been launched by Avon & Somerset Police with Warriors temporarily banning the individual in the video while the case remains active.

Sergeant Stephen Bell said the behavour was "completely unacceptable" and insisted: "We'll robustly deal with any criminal offences identified as a result of our enquiries."

It is claimed the fracas arose after a female supporter threw a drink over him and that children were reduced to tears in posts on the Bristol Rugby Supporters’ Facebook group in which many fans vented their dismay.

Gary Haggett posted: “My son was one of the kids in that party. It was an eight-year-old’s party and all because they were waving their flags that were given to them by Bristol Bears. It really scared the kids, most of them were in tears no place for that in any sport.”

Another post read: “My eight-year-old grandson came out of this scuffle with a black eye! Hope he gets what he deserves.”

A spokesman from Warriors said: “Warriors are aware that police are investigating an incident at Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership match against Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate in which a supporter wearing club replica kit was ejected from the ground for allegedly throwing a punch.

“We are cooperating with Bristol and Avon & Somerset Police in their investigations.

“As this is a now an active police investigation it would be inappropriate for us to comment further on the incident.

“As a club Warriors take a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour. We are a family club and subscribe to rugby’s core values, one of which is respect for others.”

A spokesman from Bristol Bears added: “Bristol Bears are aware of an incident that occurred in the South Stand during Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership clash.

“A supporter wearing Worcester replica kit was ejected from the ground following the incident at Ashton Gate.

“We continue to investigate and are liaising with our counterparts at Warriors regarding any further action.”

Sgt Bell said: “We’re aware of an incident at the Bristol Bears vs Worcester Warriors rugby match held at Ashton Gate in Bristol on Saturday which was filmed and posted on social media.

“We’re carrying out an investigation and officers are liaising with both clubs and making enquiries to identify the man in the footage.

“This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable at any sporting event and we’ll robustly deal with any criminal offences identified as a result of our enquiries.

“We’re appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident to call us on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5219064403."