Ex-Liverpool star sent off as huge 30-man brawl erupts in Championship clash

Players, substitutes and coaches from both clubs were involved in the melee near the end of the match, while the Swans were leading 3-2.

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The ugly scenes saw punches being thrown and plenty of pushing and shoving at the side of the pitch.

It all started when Swansea's Jay Fulton went down injured and the referee did not stop play.

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Words were exchanged on the touchline and former Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen, who had been substituted, confronted Preston manager Ryan Lowe, who appeared to shove the Swansea player in the chest.

It took five minutes for the referee to sort out the mess with Lowe and Allen both getting red cards.

Despite being a man down, the home side extended their lead to 4-2 and dented Preston's play-off hopes.

Lowe and Preston refused to attend the scheduled post-match press conference but Swansea boss Martin suggested the trouble was sparked by his opponent.

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Martin said: "Ryan pushes Joe and all chaos ensues. The game should be stopped, but it isn't.

"Ryan pushes Joe and after that it's carnage. If that doesn't happen I don't think any of it happens.

"I am not sure he (Lowe) will come in for a drink. I think he has done a great job there, as he did at Plymouth, so I am not going to judge him on that action because it's a pressured environment.

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"It's so different, it's so difficult - it is what it is."

Martin added: "I've watched it back. I don't think it's pretty for anyone.

"Our job as a group of staff is to get players away from it. The situation could have been avoided, twice probably. It is what it is.

"When people are so passionate and care about what they're doing, sometimes it boils over. I don't judge anyone for that, but it is a disappointing thing to happen.

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"The game probably should have been stopped, Jay Fulton takes a head injury. It can be avoided."