Oldham Athletic have vowed to ban supporters who protested against their owner Abdallah Lemsagam on the pitch on Saturday, in a defeat that sealed their relegation to non-league.
Oldham were losing 2-1 to neighbours Salford, with other results going against them and sending them down to the National League. With 12 minutes left to play, fans ran onto the Boundary Park pitch, holding up a banner that read 'GET OUT OF OUR CLUB', and hundreds refused to leave. The match was abandoned and the protesters took over an hour to exit the pitch.
After fans had left, the EFL decided to play the final 12 minutes of the fixture behind closed doors, with Oldham failing to score and subsequently sealing relegation out of the Football League for the first time in their 127 year history.
READ MORE: Oldham Athletic relegated: Farcical final scenes sum up Abdallah Lemsagam's reign
Now, the club say they have carried out an investigation into the events, describing the encroachment onto the pitch as a 'serious criminal offence.' They said they are working with Greater Manchester Police to identify anyone who entered the pitch, with 'several already identified.'
"It is almost certain when appropriate club bans will be issued," the statement finished, with entering the field of play an offence at football matches, and clubs liable to action from the EFL or FA when such incidents occur.
Some fans on social media have shared texts seemingly received from the club informing them that their season ticket has been cancelled for the final League Two fixture of the season against Crawley next week, as well as being informed that they will not be able to renew their season tickets next season in the National League.
If the fans attempt to attend Boundary Park, the text says they will be in breach of their banning order and liable for criminal conviction. Oldham were contacted for comment.
The latest bans come after Oldham had to u-turn on much-criticised banning orders to three fans for 'promoting dislike' of owner Abdallah Lemsagam — the focus of the latest protests.
Lemsagam has overseen Oldham's decline from League One to non-league, and fans have been stepping up efforts to force him to sell this season. The club's board issued a statement on Monday taking responsibility for their latest relegation, and insisting they aim to return to League Two as quickly as possible.
They added that Lemsagam 'remains committed' to selling Oldham after announcing that intention in January. The statement said conversations with bidders who have provided proof of funds are ongoing.
Since relegation was sealed, Oldham fan group Push The Boundary have confirmed plans for a peaceful protest outside Boundary Park ahead of the final game of the season vs Crawley, while the 'Athletico's group, who are responsible for fan displays and try to improve the atmosphere at Boundary Park, have confirmed they will no longer attend home games while Lemsagam remains in charge.
