Police investigating alleged racist abuse in Bolton Wanderers clash vs Morecambe as arrests made

Police have launched an investigation after alleged racist abuse and disorder in today's away game for Bolton Wanderers against Morecambe.

Wanderers drew 1-1 against the Shrimps thanks to Amadou Bakayoko's late equaliser cancelled out Cole Stockton's opener, which came after Ricardo Almeida Santos was shown a red card and James Trafford had saved Stockton's subsequent penalty.

But the game was marred by off the pitch incidents, with allegations of racist abuse and spitting towards the Bolton dugout, Wanderers boss Ian Evatt said after the game.

READ MORE:Morecambe 1-1 Bolton Wanderers: highlights and reaction to late draw and alleged racist abuse stopping game

The match was suspended for 10 minutes as both sets of players were taken off the Mazuma Stadium pitch, while there was also a pitch encroachment by some Bolton fans celebrating Bakayoko's equaliser.

Police made five arrests of Bolton fans for alleged offences including being drunk and disorderly, pitch encroachment and one assault on a police officer.

And an investigation has been launched concerning the alleged racist remarks and Lancashire Police are now working alongside the Shrimps.

Inspector James Martin of Morecambe Police said: “Some of the behaviour at this afternoon’s match was utterly disgraceful and completely unacceptable.

“We will be working closely with Morecambe FC to identify those responsible so that we can take the appropriate action.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 470 of Saturday, February 5.