Police start inquiry after fan ‘attacked a player at match’

INVESTIGATIONS are underway into claims a spectator ran on to the pitch at a football match and ‘attacked’ a player.

The incident occurred in the second half of Stockport County’s game at Southport on Saturday.

Trouble broke out at the Merseyrail Community Stadium in Southport after around an hour of the match when a group gathered in front of the disabled shelter next to the main stand.

Some then entered the pitch area and one appeared to kick Southport’s substitute Jacques Kpohomou, the Southport Visiter newspaper reported.

Stockport County said in a statement: “We are co-operating with Merseyside Police to try and identify the individual involved.”

It isn’t clear whether those involved were fans of either team.

In a statement, Southport Football Club said: “In the second half of today’s [Saturday’s] game against Stockport County, a spectator encroached onto the field of play and attacked a Southport player who was warming-up on the touchline at the time of the incident.

“Following the game, several club representatives spoke to the police and an investigation into the incident is now ongoing.

“Club officials have reviewed available CCTV and match footage, and multiple clear images of the incident are available to the police.”