STOURBRIDGE FC and Halesowen Town FC have apologised to "genuine supporters" after a match was abandoned due to crowd chaos. 

The eagerly awaited Brookes-Clark Shield second leg clash between the two clubs on Thursday (July 21) had to be called off at half time.

The game had already been marred on a number of occasions and Stourbridge secretary Clive Eades confirmed: "It was just madness. 

"We'd already had two smoke bombs, flares on the pitch and glass being thrown by a number of youths around the 12 to 14-year age mark who wouldn't take any notice of what they were being told.

"The police were present and they advised us to call the game off".

Stourbridge were leading 2-0 at the time through goals from Callum Gittings and Greg Mills.

The clubs have now released a joint statement, which said: "Both Clubs wish to confirm in the strongest possible terms, our joint dismay and utter frustration at the abandonment of last night's Brookes-Clark Charity Shield 2nd leg friendly.

"The safety of players, management, match and club officials, our volunteers, stewards and staff is of paramount importance to us as clubs, but the behaviour of a small minority of the juvenile section of the crowd meant this was no longer possible, despite repeated requests for calm.

"We would like to apologise to the genuine supporters of both clubs for the decision taken, but despite the best efforts of both Clubs over recent years, there appears to be a section of people who insist on causing disruption at these fixtures, who do not attend any other fixture played by either club.

"Both clubs will now talk about how the format of the Brookes-Clark Shield can potentially work in future.

"Until investigation by both Clubs have been completed, no further comment will be made".