Southport FC have released a statement following violence between fans at their match with Blackpool FC on Saturday, July 2.
The much anticipated first friendly of pre-season was blighted with violence as the referee was forced to halt the game for 10 minutes when fans appeared to turn on each other. At around 3.30pm the referee blew his whistle while both stewards and club chiefs tried to calm both sets of fans.
The National League North side had just conceded their second of the afternoon before the fights broke out, and Merseyside Police quickly intervened. The match finished 2-0 to the Tangerines.
READ MORE: Southport vs Blackpool match stopped due to 'fighting in crowd'
A spokesperson for Southport FC said: "Following the events at the pre-season friendly against Blackpool on Saturday, July 2, which led to the match referee having to stop the game for 10 minutes whilst order was restored in the crowd, this is now a police matter.
"Accordingly, we are working with Merseyside Police and assisting in any way we can to enable its officers to complete their investigation and instigate criminal proceedings, where deemed appropriate by the police, as quickly as possible. The club will be making no further comment whilst this investigation is ongoing."
Chief Inspector Matthew Moscrop said: “Our message to the small minority of fans intent on carrying out disorder at any match is that such behaviour is unacceptable and will simply not be tolerated. We can and do identify those responsible for such incidents and can issue a range of sanctions, including Banning Orders.
“We will be working closely with both clubs to investigate this disturbance and I want to thank the vast majority of supporters who attended the game in good spirits. I would ask anyone who witnessed anything or anyone with information to come forward and we will take appropriate action.”
If you have any footage or information about this incident, please DM our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 22000466789. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.
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