FA probe referee assault at Wigan Rose match as Platt Bridge player leaves club and apology issued

The FA and Greater Manchester police are investigating after a referee was left badly injured following an assault on the pitch.

Dave Bradshaw was in charge of the Wigan Rose vs Platt Bridge fixture when he gave a red card to send off a Platt Bridge player.

Mr Bradshaw was then subjected to a horrific assault which put him in hospital with a broken nose, four broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder and a broken collarbone.

Mr Bradshaw has since been discharged from hospital - and Platt Bridge has confirmed a player has now left the club.

What has the FA said about the referee assault?

In a statement on Monday night, the FA said: “We are aware of incidents of assault on a match official and a player during matches played this weekend in Lancashire.

“We have been very clear that all forms of anti-social behaviour, abuse and assaults on match officials and participants are completely unacceptable and we will not tolerate this in the game.

“We are investigating the incidents as a matter of urgency, working with the Lancashire FA, who are liaising with the police and supporting the match official and player affected.”

GMP said: “Police were made aware at around 6pm on Sunday 2 October 2022 of a serious assault that had taken place during the Platt Bridge v Wigan Rose Remembrance Cup game, held earlier in the day at football pitches in a Platt Bridge.

“As a result, a referee sustained significant injuries which resulted in him needing hospital treatment. As over 100 people attended the game, officers are asking anyone with any information, including mobile phone footage, to contact them.

“This can be done via gmp.police.uk, 101 or 0161 856 7094, quoting reference number 2490-021022. Crimestoppers – the independent charity – can also be contacted on 0800 555 111 and in emergency, dial 999.”

Mr Bradshaw, who is now back home in Whelley, posted on social media earlier this week: “Hi all, been a very traumatic 12 hours, thanks for all the kind words.

“I’ve sustained substantial injuries but I’ll survive. My confidence has been smashed to bits but please, because of one person, don’t tarnish the club with the same brush.

“The club is doing great things for the community. Up the refs.”

What has Platt Bridge said?

Platt Bridge FC has tweeted: “We as a club do not condone any violence towards anyone in the football community.

“We are ashamed of what has happened, and the player is no longer playing with our team going forward.

“We as a team hope we can build our reputation back to what we have worked so hard for.”

An additional tweet added: “We have spoken to the ref and apologised.”

The two clubs play in the South Lancs Counties league.