Shocking brawl breaks out at McDonald's over 'free soft drink'

A violent brawl has unfolded between a customer and workers at a US McDonald’s restaurant, reportedly sparked when a woman attempted to pour herself a free soft drink.

Footage captured and shared by customer Marie Dayag shows the diner and employee trading barbs from across the room before a chip is thrown over the counter.

According to the Nevada resident, the chaotic scenes ignited when a customer asked for a free cup of water before attempting to use it at the self-service soft drink machine. She was denied when the worker switched the machine off.

All hell breaks loose when a milkshake is launched over the counter and the pair come face-to-face. The customer then picks up her tray and strikes the McDonald’s staff member in the face.

The Instagram footage shows the worker punching the customer repeatedly, holding her down against the countertop and even launching her into a booth.

Another employee can be seen trying to diffuse the situation before she is also struck, adding even more chaos to the unruly situation.

The second employee then joins in the action and begins hitting the woman as the customer struggles to keep her shirt on.

After several more strikes, all parties go in their separate directions before the customer picks up a metal chair and considers one more attack, before she is again pushed away.

Yahoo7 News has contacted McDonald’s for comment.