NSW prison fight 'not religious'

A fight that broke out between prisoners at Goulburn jail this week was not religiously motivated, NSW authorities say.

Reports emerged on Thursday that the prison yard fight was prompted by radical Islamists trying to force their views on others but NSW Corrective Services said the reports are false.

"A fight that broke out between two inmates at Goulburn Correctional Centre on Tuesday was not religiously motivated," a Corrective Services spokeswoman said.

Officers fired a warning shot and released tear-gas when the inmates refused to stop fighting.

A second brawl broke out between two other prisoners as the inmates were being led back to their cells.

"NSW Police were immediately notified and investigations into the matter are continuing," the spokeswoman said.