When Father Martin Saunders moved the time of his evening service at St Dunstan's Church, because he said it wasn't safe for parishioners, local politicians accused him of overreacting.
But the Manchester Evening News has reported a mass brawl outside the church on Halloween.
The newspaper says police had to break up the incident last Friday night but no further action will be taken against those involved.
Last month the priest changed his mass time because the streets were 'too dangerous'.
But Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell and Harpurhey councillor Pat Karney said the claim was 'overblown'.