A referee took the extraordinary step of sending off five players in the dressing room in a chaotic postscript to a fiery clash in the fourth tier of English football on Tuesday.

Crawley won 2-1 away to League Two rivals Bradford but that was only part of the story as referee Ian Williamson showed red cards to three Bradford players – Andrew Davies, Luke Oliver and keeper Jon McLaughlin – and two from Crawley – Kyle McFadzean and substitute Claude Davis – during a post-match brawl which was said to have started with a punch.

In the actual game, Williamson booked five Crawley players and one from Bradford before, unexpectedly, having his work cut out after the final whistle.

Davies was left facing a five-match ban, having been shown a red card twice already this season.

Bradford manager Phil Parkinson, who insisted any of his players who threw a punch would be fined, said: “The ref seems very clear in his mind what went on.

“Until I see the DVD it is difficult to comment but the sendings-off leave us with lots of problems, to say the least.

“We know what Crawley bring in terms of an intimidating approach before, during and after matches.

“You have to make sure you don’t get involved.”