Fighting on and off the pitch marred the end of Catalans' 30-10 Super League win over Warrington in Perpignan on Sunday (NZ time).
In a physical and tense encounter, a high tackle by Dragons forward Michael McIlorum sparked a punch-up on the field, which resulted in three players being sent off - including former NZ Warriors fullback Sam Tomkins.
That led to dramatic scenes off the pitch, as television cameras caught spectators trying to climb into the hospitality area - where the Wolves players' families were seated - at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
A handful of concerned Wolves players then tried to make their way into the stands to protect them, but were stopped in their tracks, resulting in more tension.
Wolves captain Chris Hill could be heard telling referee James Child: "My missus and kids are up there, what do you expect me to do?
"If you were in the same situation, you would do the same thing."
As the angst on the field rose, objects - including water bottles - were thrown onto the pitch.
Eventually, McIlorum and Tomkins were both sent off for the Dragons, while Warrington's Jake Mamo was also sent off.
After the match, The Rugby Football League and Super League both said they were "appalled" by clashes in respective statements.
Dragons head coach Steve McNamara, a former Warriors assistant coach, didn't hold back his thoughts on referee Child.
"I'm clearly not happy with the whole of the game in terms of how it was managed," said McNamara. "After the game, I will take that up with the relevant people.
"I think it is best to stay nice and calm, and speak to the relevant people and deal with the issues that will be brought up from that game.
"I have no idea how [the scenes at the end of the game] have come about, but it's disgraceful scenes that we don't want to see in our sport, and I'm sure - again - the relevant people will look into that and find out.
"I just sincerely hope that no-one is hurt from that, because it didn't look good."
Warrington head coach Steve Price expressed disappointment at both teams after the contest.
"We've always had good challenges against Catalans every time we play them," said Price. "It was really disappointing how the game finished - you don't like to see that, do you?"
When asked whether he thought events on the pitch had influenced those off it, Price responded: "What do you reckon? I think you're answering the question yourself there."
Despite being sent off, Tomkins was handed the man-of-the-match award, with three try assists and kicked seven goals.
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