Arrests after football fans clash with police
CHAOTIC scenes erupted between fans and police at a Championship football derby.
Video footage shows fans surrounding officers in the stands at Wigan’s DW Stadium during the match against Bolton Wanderers.
Punches appear to be thrown during the brawl in the away end of the ground.
At least one officer can be seen falling to the ground in the scuffle.
There were reports of supporters allegedly throwing coins and bottles at rival fans.
The scenes came during Bolton’s 5-2 defeat on Saturday.
Greater Manchester Police said that four people were arrested at the match – three for public order offences and one for section 47 assault. They remained in custody. A Wanderers supporter, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It was awful. I’m not sure what started it, but I believe the police were trying to spot those who were throwing coins and bottles at the Wigan fans. There was a constant onslaught of bottles and coins which were being thrown between the two sets of supporters – with no security present. There were a number of small children and young families there, right in the middle of the whole thing.”
The footage has been shared hundreds of times on social media.
A spokesman for Bolton Wanderers said: “We utterly condemn the actions of those involved in the alleged disorder and are supporting Greater Manchester Police in their investigations.”
Supt Graeme Openshaw, said: “We understand the passion involved in matches like this. However, we won’t hesitate to take action when the actions of a minority spoil things for others.”
Insp Tariq Butt, from GMP’s Tactical Aid Unit, replied to the video saying that violence got worse after the game.
He tweeted: “This is the level of violence my officers had to face today... which only got worse post match.”
The M.E.N. has contacted Wigan Athletic for a comment.