A FOOTBALL match between two Adelaide private schools was called off last night after a large group of people stormed the oval and set off flares.

Members of the crowd rushed onto the Payneham Oval and threw lit flares during a football game between Christian Brothers College and Blackfriars Priory School on Friday evening.

The incident occurred during the quarter-time break of the under 18 match, just after 7.30pm, prompting match day authorities to cancel the remainder of the game due to safety concerns.

Police confirmed the incident on Saturday and are investigating.

There were no reports of injuries.

Blackfriars Priory School principal Simon Cobiac told the Sunday Mail about five flares were set off during the incident and the group responsible dispersed quickly.

“Players from both team immediately left the oval after the flares were set off,” he said.

“The players went into the change rooms (and) we decided we would call off the game just to ensure the safety of the students, spectators and anyone else who was there.”

Mr Cobiac said the school was assisting police with its inquiries.

“It is very hard to tell if it is past or present students (but) we suspect it was past students,” he said.

“Both schools were involved in some way.

“We’re very concerned about that sort of behaviour and do not approve of that behaviour in any way.”

If investigations revealed current students were involved, Mr Cobiac said their punishment would be determined on their age, involvement in the incident and whether they had engaged in similar behaviour in the past.

“We’d be taking strong action against that behaviour for sure,” he said.

Mr Cobiac described the incident as “disappointing”.

“It’s very disappointing they disrupted a game of sport which should be a celebration,” he said.

“The players involved in the game were very extremely disappointed and very upset they weren’t able to continue to the game.

“Generally the games are played in good spirits.

“I just think it just seems to be possible modelling of what these young people see happening around the world at different sporting events and they somehow think…it’s ok to disrupt...(sport).”

Mr Cobiac said the school would review security measures in place for matches to ensure the safety of players and spectators.

“We’d look at all aspects of the game and all aspects of security and timing and venues and approaches to that game in the future,” he said.

Christian Brothers College principal Noel Mifsud said CBC was also working with police to help find those responsible.

“The second thing we’re going to do is work closely with the students because we feel it’s the students who have been let down so the students are going to work with us to investigate it,” he said.

“The (players) were devastated.

“There was great spirit amongst both teams. The boys from both teams consoled each other in the change rooms and then they went and had a supper together.”

To those responsible, Mr Mifsud had this message.

“We want to public to respect our students and their safety and respect our right to have fun,” he said.

“Never again hopefully.”

Police ask anyone with information about the incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report it online at crimestopperssa.com.au.