Shocking moment three youth basketball referees start BRAWLING in front of horrified kids at fourth-grade tournament in Colorado… with cops now investigating the violent incident

Children in Colorado were left scared after two basketball referees started fighting each other in the middle of a game.

In the Denver-area suburb of Lakewood, a fourth-grade game between two teams — Cherry Creek and Legend Blue — saw the referees turn on each other.

Two referees faced off, with one of them throwing a wild right hook and knocking the other referee to the ground.

That referee tried to throw more punches, but bystanders intervened before any more damage could be done.

After getting back up, the downed referee entered into a stalemate with another referee, but no blows were thrown.

One referee was knocked to the ground, while the referee who delivered the blow was restrained

The downed referee immediately got back up and almost fought another referee

It's not clear exactly what led to the brawl, but… TMZ Sports reports that Lakewood police have been notified of the situation.

Authorities did not arrest anyone because “the parties involved had already left the gym” when police arrived.

The Gold Crown Foundation – operators of the facility where the fight took place – said there were no injuries, adding that all referees have been suspended indefinitely.

“We have informed these independently hired officers that they have been suspended indefinitely from their duties with the Gold Crown Foundation,” GCF told TMZ in a statement.

'Most importantly, we apologize to everyone who had to witness their unacceptable behavior – especially the children.'

“We look forward to getting our league back on track and resuming what will be a great season for the kids.”