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Disorder at a football match in Wigan

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The following article was taken from the Greater Manchester Police website. The original article can be read at the following link:

www.gmp.police.uk/live/nhoodv3.nsf/TriageWebsitePages/84E49EF862A605E48025823A0042BF7B?OpenDocument

Police are investigating after disorder at a football match in Wigan.

On Monday 19 February 2018, Wigan Athletic FC hosted Manchester City FC in the 5th round of the FA Cup at the DW Stadium.

After the final whistle blew, some Wigan fans went onto the pitch to celebrate.

However, shortly after, a small number of fans in the away end became aggressive and started damaging the advertising boards.

Officers were swiftly deployed to keep the opposing sides separated, and the situation returned to normality within a very short space of time.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of affray following an incident outside the ground and remain in custody.

No injuries have been reported and GMP are working with Wigan Athletic to establish the full circumstances around this incident.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Ellison of GMP’s Territorial Commander for Wigan, said: “Football is a family event and the disruption that players and fans alike faced last night, will not be tolerated.

“As soon as people were on the pitch, we immediately deployed our resources to the front of the stands, where they were able to keep the two groups of supporters apart and prevent any further disruption.

“Our officers met with the club and other partners ahead of the match to carry out a full risk assessment, which ensured we had the appropriate resources for the number of people attending.

“Emotions always run high at football matches, and sometimes, this means that officers have to intervene to ensure the safety of the fans.

“We have made two arrests but as our investigation into last night’s disruption continues, I’d ask anyone with information about the incident to please come forward.” 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 1487 of 19/02/18. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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