Runcorn Linnets youth team players assaulted with FA Respect campaign pole during match

Sep 23 2010 by Daniel Mckenzie, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

SEVERAL Runcorn Linnets youth team players were left injured and shaken after an FA Respect campaign pole was used as a weapon against them during a football match last weekend.

The FA Respect campaign promotes fair play and equality, yet Saturday morning’s clash against North Liverpool opponents Remyca United erupted into a mass brawl in the 70th minute, which led to the match being abandoned.

In total nine players were sent off during the match following the incident, on Murdishaw Playing Fields.

In what had previously been a competitive, yet fairly contested game, it is alleged that several Remyca players reacted with their fists when a Linnets player made a foul tackle.

Chaos ensued, with players from both sides involved in a punch-up, before an unnamed Remyca player allegedly came on to the pitch wielding the fence pole.

A number of players were struck by the weapon, causing cuts and bruises.

Linnets youth team coach Tony Nolan said: “In the 30 years I have been involved in football I have never seen anything like it.

“To use a weapon on a football field is totally out of order, and for that weapon to be an FA Respect campaign pole is quite ironic.

“There is no place in football for that kind of behaviour.”

Match referee Joseph Whitehall has submitted his post match report to the FA and the incident is currently being investigated.

However, officials and witnesses have confirmed that the Linnets were in no way responsible and that they and their supporters conducted themselves as well as could be expected in the face of extreme intimidation.

Spokesman for the Runcorn club, Steve Pritchard said: “This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable in any walk of life, never mind on a football pitch.

“The thuggery that our players and their parents were subjected to must be punished and I am confident that the FA will deal with the situation accordingly.”