Yobs gouge eyes & stamp on each other in brawl for ancient pancake day tradition

YOBS have been filmed gouging people’s eyes and stamping on each other as hundreds took part in a centuries-old pancake day tradition.

The shocking footage shows groups of men piling on top of each other and kicking people in the face during the huge brawl.

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The horrific and aggressive fight is actually a yearly event in the small Warwickshire town of Atherstone.

Each year, the Atherstone ball game sees men use other people as climbing frames as well as letting punches rain down on their opponents.

One man this year can be seen having his eye gouged as clothing is ripped from people’s bodies.

This year marked the 823rd anniversary where the aim is to have hold of the ball at the end when the whistle blows.

Shops on the street where it takes place close for the day and board-up their doors and windows.

One of the only rules is that you can’t kill anyone.

Everyone is also warned not to drink beforehand.

The winning team this year were protecting the ball in the William Hill bookie’s door way when violence erupted.

Even though steward in high-vis appear to keep an eye on the mayhem, they don’t seem to have much authority over the huge crowds.

Thousands of people turn up to watch the two-hour long contest which dates back to 1199.

The only year it had to be missed was 2021 due to Covid.

However, back in 2020 the game was cut short after a steward suffered a cardiac arrest.

This year, the ball was dedicated to King Charles ahead of his coronation in May.

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