William Saliba and John McGinn in heated brawl with referee forced to intervene in Aston Villa vs Arsenal clash

WILLIAM SALIBA and John McGinn were caught up in a heated brawl during Arsenal's trip to Aston Villa.

The duo's clash even forced the referee to intervene as tempers flared in the Midlands.

John McGinn kicked the ball at William Saliba as he lay on the floor, sparking a brawl
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John McGinn kicked the ball at William Saliba as he lay on the floor, sparking a brawl
Saliba charged at McGinn during Arsenal's trip to Aston Villa
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Saliba charged at McGinn during Arsenal's trip to Aston Villa
McGinn was then floored by the ball being kicked at him by Ben White
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McGinn was then floored by the ball being kicked at him by Ben White

The incident occurred around 10 minutes before half-time with the score 0-0.

Arsenal star Saliba found himself floored after a collision with Villa ace Ollie Watkins.

But he was left incensed when McGinn picked up the ball before kicking it straight at him.

The Frenchman jumped to his feet in rage before charging towards his opponent.

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But Saliba didn't get the chance for revenge as McGinn was then floored by Ben White blasting the ball back at him.

This saw players from both sides run to the scene.

Stars waved their arms as a crowd gathered and things threatened to spill over.

It forced referee Michael Oliver to quickly intervene.

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The official swooped in to calm things down and prevent an escalation on the field.

Despite Saliba and McGinn still protesting, the clash simmered down within seconds.

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Sparks flied as a group quickly gathered
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Sparks flied as a group quickly gathered
Ref Michael Oliver through himself into the middle
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Ref Michael Oliver through himself into the middle
He quickly attempted to calm things down
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He quickly attempted to calm things down
Players soon backed off and the game was able to continue
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Players soon backed off and the game was able to continue

And the game was able to continue as the two sides made it to half-time without any further incidents.

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