For the second Saturday in a row, fighting broke out at one of Britain’s most famous racetracks.
Footage has shown racegoers exchanging punches at this weekend's meeting at Ascot, coming just a week after a man was left unconscious following ugly scenes at Goodwood on May 5.
In total three people were hospitalised following the Goodwood incident, prompting increased security at Ascot this weekend. However, this wasn't enough to prevent more violence, with a fight between two groups of men breaking out inside the main grandstand after the final race.
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As the footage shows, the fighting seemingly spilled out to a road near the venue. The footage also shows that members of security failed in their attempts to diffuse the situation.
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“Unfortunately, there was an incident,” Ashley Morton-Hunte, communications manager at Ascot, said later. “Our security staff were on the scene almost immediately. There were two very small head injuries that were treated on the site.
“Our aim, always, is to have a safe, secure and enjoyable race day. Following the recent incident at Goodwood, we increased the number of response teams on site and the incident was dealt with quickly.
"Sadly, an irresponsible minority can impact on the majority. We take all antisocial behaviour seriously. We can and did eject people.”
Thankfully, no bystanders were injured by the fighting. Ascot have estimated that between six and eight men were at the heart of the fighting, although some of those who witnessed it have claimed more people were involved on social media.
The Guardian report that it's believed the fight may have been between groups of rival football fans, with those involved heard singing football songs shortly before the violence started. There were further reports of fighting on Ascot High Street later in the day, although it is unclear yet if this was connected to the incident at the racecourse.
