Probe into fighting on pitch
ROCHDALE AFC and Oldham Athletic have issued statements after fans started fighting on the pitch during the derby game this weekend.
The clubs have both made statements after fans of the two teams appeared to fight on the pitch during a match this weekend. The messages from the two clubs follow police having to intervene in the ‘disorder’ on Saturday, October 21.
‘Spectators’ safety was put at risk’ at the Saturday fixture between Rochdale AFC and Oldham Athletic at Spotland Stadium, officers have said.
Greater Manchester Police says the force is working with the two clubs to ‘identify those responsible’ after an apparent fight on the pitch, captured in videos circulating on social media.
In one video seen by the Observer, a small number of match-goers appear to run onto the pitch and begin to throw punches. It is understood that those involved were fans of the two teams playing, fighting between themselves.
There were long delays in the game after fans broke onto the pitch on multiple occasions over the course of 90 minutes. An extra 16 minutes was added to the end of the fixture as a result.
A spokesperson for the Oldham side said: “Oldham Athletic is working alongside Greater Manchester Police following incidents of disorder at Saturday’s game against Rochdale. The club condemns all forms of anti-social and disorderly behaviour and we reiterate our zero-tolerance approach in this regard.
“The club is also awaiting reports from the relevant bodies and will co-operate fully with any investigations which take place.”
Rochdale Football Club said it also ‘is working with Greater Manchester Police following multiple incidents of disorder at Saturday’s game at home to Oldham Athletic’. A spokesperson for the team added: “We condemn any act of antisocial and disorderly behaviour, including those that place the safety of spectators at risk, and we re-iterate our zero-tolerance approach to this.
“The club is in dialogue with all relevant bodies and will co-operate fully with any resulting investigations that take place.”
Chief Superintendent Niall Pawson who was GMP’S match commander for the event said: “Police are working alongside both clubs following disorder at the fixture between Rochdale and Oldham Athletic on Saturday 21 October.
“Thankfully, there have been no reports of serious injuries or criminal damage, but the behaviour of a small number of attendees put spectators’ safety at risk, meaning additional resources from across the force were required inside the stadium.
“This behaviour this will not be tolerated, and we are proactively working in partnership with both football clubs to identify those responsible.
“I would like to thank the majority of supporters from both clubs who were well behaved and contributed to a great atmosphere.
“I am sure they will be as disappointed as we all are at the unacceptable behaviour that was encountered.”
The match culminated in a 4-3 win for Oldham.