Latics action to head-off clash of fans

ALAN HARDY... Stockport fans have no reason to go into Oldham sections of the ground

LATICS hope they have headed off any potential trouble at tomorrow’s clash with Stockport at Boundary Park by allocating plenty of seats for the visitors.

Some 2,700 seats have been earmarked for County fans in a bid to prevent a repeat of crowd trouble when the teams last met in October.

Violence flared at Edgeley Park after a minority of Athletic fans managed to get tickets for the Cheadle End, home to County’s hardcore support.

Around 2,000 tickets for the away end had sold out days before the fiery Friday night clash, but the Hatters turned down Oldham’s appeal for more.

Fighting ensued after fans celebrated Oldham striker Andy Liddell’s opening goal midway through the first half.

The referee was even forced to halt the game for a few minutes as some bloodied fans spilled on to the pitch.

Latics went on to lose the game 3-1 — their first league defeat of the season. However, Latics chief executive Alan Hardy said he believes the number of seats available to Stockport fans for Saturday’s match is more than enough.

He said: “Stockport fans do not need to go into Oldham sections of the ground.”

Visiting supporters will be seated in the large section of the Rochdale Road Stand, with around 1,500 of Latics most vocal supporters occupying an area across a segregation barrier directly to the left.

Mr Hardy said there was no evidence of Stockport fans buying Oldham tickets.

He said: “The police are aware of what went on at Stockport and all our stewards are well trained to handle situations like that.

“I’m sure everything will pass off peacefully and we are hoping it will be a convincing home win.”

A police spokeswoman said: “We will have adequate resources to police the area in and around the ground.”

One Latics fan, who attended the previous derby but did not want to be identified, said: “It’s after the match when fans all disperse at the same time that there could be one or two flashpoints — as has happened before with other teams who have had a large away following.”


Crowd trouble as louts fight among themselves

POLICE at Hereford had to deal with an unusual incident of crowd trouble — Latics fans fighting among themselves.

A number of supporters were ejected from the Edgar Street ground early in Saturday’s game in which Oldham were hammered 5-0.

Police have also informed Latics that three of their fans were issued with fixed-penalty fines for public order offences.

Latics have been contacted this week by a number of supporters who were concerned with what they witnessed. A club spokesman acknowledged tensions were running high given matters on the pitch, but such behaviour is not acceptable.

He added that Latics are fully committed to the FA’s respect campaign with regards to referees and this should also apply between supporters on the terraces.

“We are all on the same side at the end of the day and we would like to make it clear that violent behaviour is not welcome,” he said.