Player ‘attacked by opponent’ in car park fracas

POLICE are investigating claims a Chesterfield player was behind a post-match ‘vicious assault’ in a car park which left an Oldham Athletic opponent hospitalised and with serious injuries. Oldham released a statement yesterday which said their striker, former Everton trainee Hallam Hope, was attacked in the staff car park following the match between the two National League sides on Saturday. The club added that the 28-year-old sustained ‘serious injuries’ and would be ‘out of action for some weeks’. Oldham have reported the matter to the police and said they had provided CCTV footage of the incident. Sportsmail can reveal a Chesterfield player has been alleged as the attacker and police have launched an investigation. A Chesterfield statement read: ‘We are aware of an allegation

relating to an unnamed Chesterfield player. We are assisting Greater Manchester Police with their enquiries. As this is an ongoing investigation, no further comment will be made at this stage.’

An Oldham statement read: ‘Oldham Athletic is sorry to have to report that our player, Hallam Hope, was the victim of a vicious assault on Saturday evening. ‘The assault took place in the staff car park following the game against Chesterfield. Hallam sustained serious injuries which required hospital treatment and he will be out of action for some weeks. The matter has been reported to the police and we have provided CCTV footage in relation to the incident. Whilst the investigation is continuing Oldham Athletic will make no further comment on the incident. The club is supporting Hallam and will continue to do so. We wish him a speedy recovery from a dreadful experience.’ Chesterfield, who are top of the National League, won 2-0. A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: ‘At around 1.50pm on Sunday September 4, we received a report of an assault at Boundary Park on Saturday 3. An investigation is under way.’