Trouble at’ Moss

Macclesfield FC have had to issue a statement after fighting breaks out in a stand with the match forced to halt to be dealt with.

The Silkmen progress through to the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup after winning the tie 2-0 at Moss Rose.

The incident occurred in the 83th minute, with Macclesfield tweeting: “Unsavoury scenes in the crowd lead to a further delay to play resuming.”

The club’s statement:

“In light of the scenes witnessed in the Silkmen Terrace during this afternoon’s Emirates FA Cup tie against Wythenshawe Town, Macclesfield FC can confirm that the stand will only be open to away fans going forward.

“The Club have worked hard to prevent such scenes from occurring and enjoys a vibrant working relationship with both the local council and Cheshire Police.

“Indeed, the verticle banner placed within the stand was strategically laid solely to aid the segregation that was in place.

“Despite this, the stewards quite clearly became overpowered by a few mindless thugs this afternoon – who were clearly intent on violence.

“Together with Cheshire Police, the situation was effectively retrieved and disorder kept to a minimum.

“This cannot and will not be tolerated at Macclesfield FC and therefore the action to impose full segregation on the Silkmen Terrace needs to be effective immediately.”

Director Robert Smethurst added: “Macclesfield FC is and always will be a Community Club. I will not let the minority detract us from that.

“As such there can be no alternative but to impose full segregation on the Silkmen Terrace going forward.

“I hope that this has not soured what has undoubtedly been another great victory for us on the pitch today.”

“We will be making no further comment on this matter.”