Oldham match abandoned after on-pitch protest with club on brink of EFL exit

Oldham Athletic's League Two match against Salford City was abandoned after supporters invaded the Boundary Park pitch to protest against their owners with the club just minutes away from exiting the Football League.

Relegation would also mean the Latics would be the first former Premier League club to drop out of the top four divisions. The game was stopped on 78 minutes with Oldham 2-1 down as the protest started.

Play was stopped 25 minutes before the referee called off the match. The EFL is yet to comment on the abandonment but should the scoreline stand, or indeed Salford be handed the win, it would confirm Oldham’s relegation.

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A banner reading ‘get out of our club’ was seen from the hundreds who stormed the turf, who directed their anger at the owner’s box. Abdallah Lemsagam, who faces calls to sell the club, was not at the match.

The Athletic reports that manager John Sheridan was on the pitch speaking to the unhappy supporters while police managed the protest. Oldham were one of the founder clubs of the Premier League in 1992 but never returned to the top flight after their relegation in 1994.

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner has since commented on the protest, tweeting: "Solidarity with all Oldham supporters today. You are the heart and soul of this club and it’s devastating to see true fans paying the price for others’ mistakes. Your voice must now be listened to. Speak truth to power, stick together and be back stronger."