Flintshire man among three arrested on suspicion of violent disorder linked to Oldham vs Wrexham match

Three men have been arrested in connection with violent incidents that took place during the Wrexham AFC away match against Oldham Athletic on 1st October, 2022.

The suspects, including a 22-year-old from Buckley and two men aged 55 and 51 from Wrexham, were questioned by officers and later released on bail, pending further enquiries.

These arrests follow a joint investigation by North Wales Police and Greater Manchester Police, which led to six arrests for similar offences in January.

DS Paul Jones said: “As a force, we have proactively sought out those involved in the violent disturbances which occurred prior to this fixture. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“We have worked closely with GMP officers in reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible and our enquiries remain ongoing. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“The individuals arrested in the last 24 hours will be unable to attend future matches due to the bail conditions imposed and, if convicted, they could each receive lengthy Football Banning Orders. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“I am keen to stress that this investigation remains in progress and that concerted efforts to locate other suspects are a working priority.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

The arrests were made ahead of this weekend’s National League home fixture between Wrexham and Oldham at The Racecourse. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

An increased matchday policing presence will be visible throughout the city both before and after the game to ensure public safety. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

DS Jones added: “We know that the overwhelming majority of Wrexham supporters are well-behaved and are justifiably proud of their side’s achievements this season. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“However, there is a small number of individuals intent on causing disorder, which all too often manifests itself in violence towards others. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“North Wales Police continues to work with Wrexham football club and the local community to rid match days of this inappropriate and often dangerous behaviour.“ ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Ahead of this weekend’s National League home fixture between Wrexham and Oldham at The Racecourse, an increased matchday policing presence will be visible throughout the city to ensure public safety.

Wrexham AFC CEO Fleur Robinson thanked North Wales Police and Greater Manchester Police for their work in making the arrests and reiterated the club’s commitment to working closely with law enforcement to ensure that Wrexham AFC matches remain welcoming and enjoyable for all true and loyal supporters.

Robinson also emphasised that supporters engaging in unacceptable behaviour have no place at the club and will face the consequences of their actions.