Crossword Genius

Riotous method of breaking up teams? (4-9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

side-splitting

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'riotous method of breaking up teams?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'riotous method of breaking up' is the wordplay.
'riotous method of' becomes 'side' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'breaking up' becomes 'splitting' ('split' can be a synonym of 'break up').
'side'+'splitting'='SIDE-SPLITTING'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for side-splitting that I've seen before include "Extremely funny" , "Hilarious" , "Producing great mirth" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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