Preston North End have broken their silence following the mass brawl that marred their recent defeat to Swansea City.
An altercation between Swansea's Joe Allen and Preston boss Ryan Lowe sparked a massive touchline melee involving both sets of players and members of staff during the game at the Swansea.com Stadium, which the hosts won 4-2. You can watch what happened here.
Allen, who scored once and earned an assist during the eventful encounter, was sent off for his part in the fracas. So too was Lilywhites boss Lowe, who declined to face the press after the game.
READ MORE: Fan video footage shows moment Swansea City v Preston descended into chaos
It was a move that was criticised by some sections of the media, but Preston have now explained their decision in a short statement released on Thursday afternoon.
The club said: "Preston North End would like to offer clarity with regards to the post-match press obligations following the match at Swansea City on Wednesday 19th April 2023.
"Manager Ryan Lowe did not appear for his post-match press conference following Wednesday’s fixture having taken instructions from the club not to do so. Emotions were running high following incidents towards the end of the match which included Ryan having been given a red card.
"On this occasion it was decided that it was better that any press questions for the manager be handled at the press conference scheduled for Friday 21st April in advance of the Blackburn Rovers fixture."
Swansea head coach Russell Martin said during his own media duties that the incident didn't look "pretty for anyone" having watched events back on video.
"I've watched it back, I don't think it's pretty for anyone," he said. "Our job as a group of staff is to get players away from it. The situation could have been avoided, twice probably. It is what it is.
"A couple of things I really didn't like but it is what it is. When people are so passionate and care about what they're doing, sometimes it boils over. I don't judge anyone for that, but it is a disappointing thing to happen.
"I totally understand Joe's reaction to it, you don't expect that from a manager. He didn't provoke it, but his reaction probably merits that (red card). He's apologised, but he doesn't need to. He's just showing care for his team-mate. He reacts because he's a winner."
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