It was supposed to be a celebration of the best of Gloucestershire's rugby.

The North Gloucestershire Combination Cup Senior Final between Matson RFC and Longlevens RFC was held on Sunday at Kingsholm Stadium to showcase the two teams at the top of the county's sport and Longlevens won 31-7 in the showdown.

But in scenes that have shocked Gloucester's rugby community and triggered questions over the 150-year-old club's spectator policies, disagreement between rival fans degenerated into a punch-up towards the end of the game while families watched on in horror.

Amid kicking and punches exchanged between Matson and Longlevens fans in the Shed stand, the game was brought to a hasty end, ensuing social media depicting scenes of pitchside violence associated with the darkest days of football culture. 

Police were called to the incident, but no arrests were made as the ground's security were reported to have successfully intervened to quell the fracas, the incident triggering solemn statements from both clubs.

One fan who attended the game told Punchline-Gloucester.com: "The trouble broke out in the Shed, which is where the more vocal fans and drinkers tend to always gather, but we've never seen a fight break out before. It seemed that the trigger was that someone threw a bottle and it hit a child, after which hell broke loose."

They added: "As Longlevens were comfortably winning the game, you might say that some Matson fans became more expressive. The fear now though, for both clubs, has to be whether Kingsholm would want to host them again in future?"

Elsewhere, other fans have criticised the availability of alcohol from early in the day, while in contrast to the restrictions imposed on pitchside football in higher-level leagues and EFL fixtures, unsegregated spectators are able to consume alcohol at Kingsholm throughout matches.

In a statement on the events, Longlevens Rugby Club's committee said the club was "deeply disappointed" at what should have been a celebration of grassroots rugby.

The club said: "We are aware of and greatly regret the crowd trouble involving individuals from both sets of supporters. This behaviour falls far short of the values we uphold as a club – respect, sportsmanship, and community. Rugby is a game that brings people together, and there is no place for violence, intimidation, or disruption, whether on or off the pitch.

The club said it was cooperating with relevant authorities and organisers in the search for the culprits: "As a club, we are also reviewing all available information and will take appropriate internal measures where necessary."

It added: "We extend our apologies to the players, coaches, match officials, and supporters from both clubs whose day was overshadowed by these unacceptable actions. To the wider rugby community, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone involved in our sport."

For Matson RFC, Lee Bayliss, the club's chairman, said he apologised for any part members of his club played in the altercation. 

He added: "What should have been a great family day out celebrating local rugby, was ruined by a few supporters from both sides. We will be meeting as a club to discuss this matter and decide what action we need to take, following a review of footage and statements. We would like to reiterate that as a club Matson RFC do not condone this behaviour and takes such matters very seriously."

He also said the club congratulated Longlevens on a "well-deserved win" and was "disappointed for them that they were robbed of the moment to lift the cup at Kingsholm in a joyous celebration".