Wrexham ‘strongly condemn this hooliganism’ as police make 11 arrests over trouble in Oldham

Wrexham say they ‘strongly condemn this hooliganism’ as police make 11 arrests over the trouble which we saw in Oldham on Saturday.

Oldham and Wrexham fans were seen clashing in violent street fights as police tried to break up the trouble which came before the National League match.

Videos shared online saw fans scrapping next to Tesco Extra in Failsworth, just four miles away from Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park.

The two groups of fans have it out before Greater Manchester Police officers arrive and try to break up the violence.

Another video shared, saw men kicking and punching each other as others launch objects at each other in shocking scenes. One police officer can be seen bravely trying to break the fights up with a baton but is easily outnumbered before more support arrives.

Oldham V Wrexham 😩 bet Ashton, Failsworth and Oldham will be fun tonight 😩🤦🏻‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/nauyl6dqnR

— Natalie (@stringynat) October 1, 2022

WREXHAM STATEMENT:

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed 11 men aged between 18 and 30 years old were arrested following yesterday’s Oldham Athletic vs Wrexham AFC match at Boundary Park.

A post-match investigation to identify more offenders, who will be arrested and placed before the courts, is also underway and GMP will be seeking football banning orders.

Wrexham AFC would like to reiterate our zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour at, and around, our football matches. We fully support GMP in their approach, and will be working with the authorities where relevant.

Five men have been handed football banning orders in recent months for incidents at Wrexham matches last season, and as previously stated, anybody found guilty of such unacceptable behaviour will face the strictest possible consequences.

Yesterday saw 2,520 Wrexham supporters form part of Oldham’s highest attendance at Boundary Park since their FA Cup game against Liverpool in 2013.

We would like to officially place on record our thanks to the vast majority of those who attended the game, for their tremendous support and the incredible atmosphere they helped to create. Our supporters played their part in a memorable day for the Club, and the loud, passionate and vocal support is appreciated by all the players, staff and everybody associated with Wrexham AFC.

The Football Club is also aware of the violence and anti-social behaviour which took place in Failsworth, four miles away from the ground.

We strongly condemn this hooliganism. The individuals involved do not represent our fanbase and are not welcome at our Football Club. We urge all supporters to distance themselves from such behaviour.

Oldham Wrexham pic.twitter.com/T1Raqvqkn3

— Noel O’Brien (@NOELY1982) October 1, 2022

Wrexham AFC CEO Fleur Robinson said: “We would like to thank the vast majority of our travelling fans for their incredible, passionate and vocal support at yesterday’s game.

“We are sorry that the actions of a very small minority have created more negative headlines, but we can only reiterate our zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour at our matches.

“Our true supporters within Boundary Park showcased the best of our fanbase, with their support contributing to a comeback win – with players and staff all highlighting the impact this had.

“Anybody who acts to sour this reputation has no place at our Football Club, and we will continue to work with the police to ensure they face the strictest possible consequences for their unacceptable behaviour.”

Anybody with information that could assist Greater Manchester Police in their investigations can call 101 or contact them on gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously via the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

GMP Oldham said dispersal powers under anti-social behaviour within the Crime and Policing Act 2014 were granted at the scene for both sets of fans.

An estimated 60 football fans from Wrexham and Oldham were issued with the direction to leave.

The men who have so far been arrested have been bailed pending further investigation.

Superintendent, Philip Hutchinson, Silver Commander for the operation said: “Disorder and violence at football matches is unacceptable and we have launched a post-match investigation to identify more offenders who will be arrested and placed before the courts, where we will seek football banning orders.

“We appreciate the passion and support that fans want to show for their team, however violent disorder and anti-social behaviour will never be tolerated in our communities.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police on 101 or visit gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously via the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Oldham V Wrexham……… in failsworth North Manchester today pic.twitter.com/zY7VlsTd1B

— Anthony Phythian (@PhythianAnthony) October 1, 2022

This is what fans had to say as Wrexham ‘strongly condemn this hooliganism’ and police make 11 arrests over the trouble in Oldham…

@m_w890: Well said 👍

@aicul1864: Was there any issues Inside the ground?

@LWPegMan: Permanent bans for any and all hooliganism would likely help. Keeping the lads apart for a year or 2 just doesn’t seem to cut it.

@JohnHarpur1: Wrexham will never have an opportunity like they have now…. Don’t F*** it up!!!

@ConnorJonesL3: Only seem to hear off fluer when it’s to do with hooligans seems like she only cares about banning fans and treating staff members like shit

@elovabloke: Once again these buffoons tarnish the name of the club. Looks like they didn’t even come for the match.

@jdwalk25: How pathetic and what a waste of good energy by these cretins

@JoHulmeBeeYou: Appalling behaviour by men chanting the name of your club in South Oldham today. Miles away from the stadium in a residential area and shopping district. Not a great image for your club.

@pauldalek: Pretty ironic after an episode on Hooligans eh 😂

@sportyreg: Do they check the buses and mini buses to see everyone has a ticket for the game #WxmAFC

@percypignuts: I doubt if they even had tickets though some of the idiots jumping and running at the home supporters in the ground when we score is pathetic and I hope the police who were videoing them take action to teach them a lesson .

@wrexham_gamer: ban them for life….cancel their season tickets and give these to the local community/schools for the rest of the season…

@MarkDJones71: Ban for life! Do understand anyone who wants to travel to another part of the country to get their head kicked in!!! Just stupid!!

@RoadMold: The Club controlling access to Away games would help, as leaving it as a free for all means anyone can get a ticket. W2W’s Hooligans episode didn’t serve as a warning, but as an advert – which is exactly what RnR didn’t want.

@WmHokeWallace: @VancityReynolds @RMcElhenney Why not institute a policy that says whatever ban the person receives from the courts the club will enforce it 5x, or 10x, or permanently?