RIVAL fans clashed in ugly scenes at the end of Ashton United’s Manchester Premier Cup victory against Hyde United.
But Ashton manager Michael Clegg believes the prompt intervention of the players from both sides, who assisted stewards, helped prevent it spiralling out of control at FC United’s Broadhurst Park.
“What both sets of players did in uniting to split up those causing trouble was commendable,” he said.
“Emotions were running high at the end of the game, but the players stopped it before it really started. It showed what a good bunch the players from both clubs are.”
FC United are reported to being viewing CCTV footage to identify a fan who went on to the pitch at the final whistle and who is claimed to spark the flashpoint which occurred in the corner of the ground between the main stand and the large terrace behind the goal.
Hyde United chairman Steve Hartley vowed to take action if any of their supporters are identified as being involved.
He said: “We don’t condone what happened which we don’t need at whatever level of football.
“I don’t what caused it to kick off but, if any action is needed, we will take it.”
Mr Hartley added he had spoken to FC United officials who are looking at CCTV footage to establish the cause of the trouble and identify and perpetrators.
“It is all speculation until FC United come back with their observations, after which we will see what action to take,” he added
Paul Roots, football services manager at the Manchester FA, condemned the troublemakers.
He said: “Manchester FA does in no way condone the behaviour of a select few visiting spectators who were by far in the minority on an otherwise incredibly successful night for those involved.
“We noted that the disturbance was started by a single individual who ran across the field of play at the final whistle and will work with the clubs to identify that individual and any others that became involved.
“Manchester FA worked with the host club to provide suitable stewarding provision along with intelligence provided by the clubs and it as deemed that no formal segregation would be required for this fixture.
“The incident itself was swiftly dealt with by the stewarding team and Manchester FA staff who were in the immediate vicinity before the medal and trophy presentations commenced.
“The official attendance for the fixture was 963 and Manchester FA would like to thank the vast majority of these supporters who attended and acted responsibly throughout their visit.”
FC United said it was a matter between the clubs and they would not be commenting to the press.