Children in Colorado were left frightened after two basketball referees began fighting each other in the midst of a game.
In the Denver-area suburb of Lakewood, a fourth-grade game between two teams – Cherry Creek and Legend Blue – saw officials turn on each other.
Two refs squared up – with one of them tossing a wild right hook, sending the other official to the ground.
That ref tried throwing more punches, but bystanders intervened before any more damage could be done.
After getting back up, the ref who was knocked down got into a stand-off with another official, but no blows were thrown.
![A brawl broke out between two youth basketball referees at a game in Colorado](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/12/02/78851051-12852971-image-a-10_1702349848643.jpg)
A brawl broke out between two youth basketball referees at a game in Colorado
![One referee was knocked to the ground - while the ref who threw the punch was held back](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/12/03/78851047-12852971-image-a-12_1702350081360.jpg)
One referee was knocked to the ground – while the ref who threw the punch was held back
![The referee who was knocked down got right back up and almost fought a different referee](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/12/03/78851049-12852971-image-a-11_1702350076063.jpg)
The referee who was knocked down got right back up and almost fought a different referee
It’s not exactly clear what led to the brawl, but TMZ Sports reports that Lakewood Police have been made aware of the situation.
Authorities did not arrest anybody because ‘the involved parties had already left the gym’ by the time police arrived.
The Gold Crown Foundation – the operators of the facility where the fight took place – said that there were no injuries and adds that all the referees have been indefinitely suspended.
‘We have informed these independently contracted officials that they are suspended indefinitely from working for Gold Crown Foundation,’ GCF told TMZ in a statement.
‘Most importantly we apologize to everyone that had to witness their unacceptable behavior – especially the kids.’
‘We look forward to getting our league back on track, and resume what will be a great season for the kids.’
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