Police storm in as dozens of Oldham and Wrexham fans clash in violent street fight

The non-league fans were seen having a vicious street fight next to a Tesco Extra ahead of the National League fixture with bins and bottles thrown in broad daylight

Posted Sunday, October 02, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

Police rushed in after violent scenes on the streets of Oldham

Oldham and Wrexham fans have been seen clashing in violent street fights as police try to break up the fist fights.

Videos shared on social media show the non-league football fans violently scrapping near to what appears to be Tesco Extra in Failsworth, just four miles away from Oldham Athletic's Boundary Park. The fights broke out hours before the National League fixture which kicked off at 3pm on Saturday.

The two groups of fans are shown to be fighting in the street before Greater Manchester Police officers arrive and try to break up the violence before what appears to be a Wrexham fan throws a bin into the crowd. The larger group of fans then break out into a chant singing "Wrexham" as they march on.

In another video shared, men can be clearly seen kicking and punching each other in vicious street fights as others launch objects at each other in shocking scenes. One police officer can be seen bravely trying to break the fights up with a baton but is easily outnumbered before support arrives.

Either club is yet to comment publicly on the disturbing scenes seen before the match, with Oldham Athletic returning to the news after a disruptive end to last season as they were relegated to the National League.

One onlooker too to Twitter to warn that fans are already "covered in blood" at 1.30pm. @Boaseee said: "About 40 Wrexham fans in Failsworth already covered in blood and scrapping with Oldham fans. Please be careful today everyone!"

Oldham Wrexham pic.twitter.com/T1Raqvqkn3
— Noel O'Brien (@NOELY1982) October 1, 2022

Fans stormed the pitch as they protested the club's ownership before the side was forced to finish its final League Two match against Salford City. The jaw-dropping scenes came after Wrexham sold out their 2,520 away allocation for the match as the Welsh side, bankrolled by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, hunt promotion to the Football League.

Oldham Athletic, AFC Wrexham and Greater Manchester Police have all been approached for comment.