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UPDATE: Local man arrested as investigation continues after unrest at Morecambe v Bolton

Saturday, 5 February 2022 21:30

A local man has been arrested as investigations continue into a number of incidents at the match between Morecambe and Bolton.

The League One fixture was suspended for ten minutes and the players taken off the pitch following a verbal incident between spectators in the main stand at the Mazuma Stadium and members of the Bolton Wanderers bench.

A number of away fans also encroached onto the pitch to celebrate a goal, while it appeared that a missile was thrown towards Morecambe goalkeeper, Adam Smith.

This afternoon (Sunday), police gave an update to confirm a man in his 60s from Morecambe was in custody on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.

A spokesperson added: ''Other lines of enquiry relating to the allegations of racism are being developed and we continue to take the matter extremely seriously.

''A number of Bolton fans who were arrested for assault, pitch encroachment or being drunk and disorderly have been bailed, released under investigation or given penalty notices. One, Michael Haslam, 29, of Heathside Grove, Manchester has been charged with pitch encroachment and is due to appear before magistrates in Lancaster on March 1st.

''We are also looking into two separate allegations of assaults following the match.

''Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 quoting log 470 of February 5th.''

In a fresh statement, Morecambe Football Club said: ''The Club has been made aware of a statement issued on Sunday afternoon from Lancashire Police, stating that a number of arrests have been made in relation to Saturday’s fixture against Bolton Wanderers, including one person on ‘suspicion of racially aggravated public order’.

''We will continue to work closely with Lancashire Police to assist all of their investigations, and as part of this, we would urge any person with any information in relation to anything they may have witnessed on Saturday, to contact police.

''Morecambe Football Club abhors and condemns any form of abuse, discrimination or anti-social behaviour, and anyone who is proven to have participated in such behaviour is not welcome at our Club. Appropriate action will be taken swiftly in such cases.

''The Club will make no further comment until the outcome of the Police investigation has been reached.''

Bolton Wanderers also issued their own statement after the game.

Bolton Wanderers' Chairman Sharon Brittan said: “I completely stand by the actions of (manager) Ian (Evatt) and the rest of the staff, who were subjected to abuse throughout the game. However, when that abuse became racist he had no option but to make a stand against these completely unacceptable and disgraceful actions from a minority of the Morecambe supporters.

“I implore Morecambe Football Club to treat this matter very seriously because football needs to play its part in rooting out all forms of hatred and discrimination from society.

“Football is a game for all and what we witnessed today was shocking. We will ensure that our colleagues who were abused receive the care and support they need.”

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