Footballer faced with knife during derby

CLOSE call... Knapman

CHADDERTON footballer Ian Knapman had a lucky escape after being confronted by a knife-wielding fan during a heated Boxing Day derby against Oldham Town.

Police were called to Chadderton’s Broadway ground but no action was taken after officers failed to find a weapon upon searching the alleged assailant.

The drama unfolded as the players were leaving the pitch at the end of a feisty opening half.

Knapman had been involved in a couple of skirmishes with Town pair Matty Landregan and Lee Neville — both former Chadderton players — in the opening period.

Chadderton manager Paul Buckley said: “The players were leaving the pitch when a man, who was shouting and swinging a knife, came through the barrier which keeps spectators and players apart.

He was heading towards Ian but there were a lot of people around and they managed to bundle him into the changing room.

“It happened so fast that it was over in a matter of seconds. You don’t expect anything like that to happen at a football match.

“Luckily nobody was injured, but it could have escalated into something far more serious.”

Knapman was sent off early in the second half for a second booking as his day went from bad to worse.

Police confirmed they were called to Chadderton’s ground but they say no knife was found, and no offence was reported. They added Chadderton officials asked for the person to be ejected from the ground, but he left of his own accord.

The match ended in a goalless draw.