Photos as mad Shrove Tuesday football match ends in players jumping into river
Hundreds turned out for a mad Shrovetide football game in Northumberland, which ended with players jumping into the River Aln to claim the ball.
The annual match with almost no rules and no referee was held for the 207th time on Shrove Tuesday, March 4.
It starts when the Duke of Northumberland throws the ball from the turrets of Alnwick Castle ahead of a 2.15pm kick off.
The Duke of Northumberland puts the ball into play. (Image: PA)
Players and spectators formed a procession down to a field on the banks of the Aln where two huge goals, known as hales, awaited them a furlong apart, forming a supersized pitch almost double the length of a normal football field.
(Image: PA)
Two teams, formed of the old parishes of of St. Michael's and St. Paul's, compete over two 30 minute halfs.
(Image: PA)
At the end of the game, first held in 1762, the ball was kicked into the river for a one player to claim and bring out on the other side as 'the ball winner'.
Players jump into the River Aln to retrieve the ball. (Image: PA)
(Image: PA)
(Image: PA)
(Image: PA)
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The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland on the procession with the ball. (Image: PA)
(Image: PA)
(Image: PA)
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Photos as mad Shrove Tuesday football match ends in players jumping into river
Hundreds turned out for a mad Shrovetide football game in Northumberland, which ended with players jumping into the River Aln to claim the ball. The annual match with almost no rules and no referee was held for the 207th time on Shrove Tuesday, March 4. It starts when the Duke of Northumberland throws the ball from the turrets of Alnwick Castle ahead of a 2.15pm kick off. The Duke of Northumberland puts the ball into play. (Image: PA) Players and spectators formed a procession down to a field on the banks of the Aln where two huge goals, known as hales, awaited them a furlong apart, forming a supersized pitch almost double the length of a normal football field. (Image: PA) Two teams, formed of the old parishes of of St. Michael's and St. Paul's, compete over two 30 minute halfs. (Image: PA) At the end of the game, first held in 1762, the ball was kicked into the river for a one player to claim and bring out on the other side as 'the ball winner'. Players jump into the River Aln to retrieve the ball. (Image: PA) (Image: PA) (Image: PA) (Image: PA) Read next: Man whose car ruined in 'arson' on his fright as resident recalls 'flames everywhere' Cat dies after coming home seriously injured in 'deliberate act of cruelty' Tragedy as man, 18, dies in County Durham woods after 'welfare' concerns lick here to join our WhatsApp community and get breaking news updates direct to your phone. The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland on the procession with the ball. (Image: PA) (Image: PA) (Image: PA)
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