A Rochdale player was allegedly racially abused by fans during the feisty derby against Oldham Athletic yesterday.

It was a tense derby at the Crown Oil Arena on Saturday (October 21) which ultimately saw Latics take home the win in a 4 - 3 victory against Rochdale AFC.

Referee James Westgate allocated 16 additional minutes at the end of the game, partly due to lengthy stoppages for fan-related incidents during the second half.

In one incident, rival fans rushed and invaded the pitch which was then broken up by riot police.

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But Rochdale manager, Jimmy McNulty, also claims his player was racially abused by fans in what he described as a game of "carnage".

McNulty continued: "The game was absolute carnage and there's so much of it that I can't comprehend. I need to see it again.

"It wasn't just a football match today, there were all sorts of events going on.

"Some were very shameful and they do overshadow if I'm being honest what was probably quite an exciting game for the neutral.

"Some of the behaviour that went on around the game is a real shame. There's so much to break down, it was carnage."

 

Discussing the racist incident, McNulty said: "There were racist slurs at our young right back.

"It's the first time he's ever been exposed to that.

"Nothing is as big as that. That's the single biggest thing."

The boss also referred to other incidents that took place during the match, including moments when Oldham fans reportedly did not return the ball and were throwing it between themselves.

He added: "It's unfortunate we can't get on with the football match.

"The ball's out of play for two minutes at a time and the second we get a ball on the next one appears.

"There were people getting carried out of the ground left, right and centre.

"I love derbies, but I was out there thinking 'I don't even know if I'd be happy today if we won', knowing everything that went on."

A spokesperson for Oldham Athletic also said the club is working alongside Greater Manchester Police "following incidents of disorder at Saturday's game aginst Rochdale".

The spokesperson continued: "The club condemns all forms of anti-social and disorderly behaviour and we reiterate our zero-tolerance approach in this regard.  

"The club is also awaiting reports from the relevant bodies and will co-operate fully with any investigations which take place. "

GMP Chief Superintendent Niall Pawson, who was match commander for the event, added: “Police are working alongside both clubs following disorder at the fixture between Rochdale and Oldham Athletic on Saturday 21 October.

“Thankfully, there have been no reports of serious injuries or criminal damage, but the behaviour of a small number of attendees put spectators’ safety at risk, meaning additional resources from across the force were required inside the stadium.

"This behaviour will not be tolerated, and we are proactively working in partnership with both football clubs to identify those responsible."

The chief superintendent also thanked the "majority of supporters" from both clubs who "were well-behaved and contributed to a great atmosphere".

He continued: "I am sure they will be as disappointed as we all are at the unacceptable behaviour that was encountered.”

Rochdale AFC has been approached for comment but did not respond before this article was published.

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