Steven Gerrard's cousin defends referee from irate fan

BeSoccer 7 years ago |

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Gerrard stepped in to intercept the fan. Screenshot

Oldham Athletic captain Anthony Gerrard, the cousin of Liverpool and England legend Steven, stepped in to defend the referee from being attacked by an irate fan during Wednesday night's League One clash between Rochdale and Oldham.

Gerrard himself had commited the fould that led to the incident in question, bringing down Joe Thompson to hand the hosts a penalty.

That decision caused an Olham fan to leap over the advertising hoardings and head for the official, with Gerrard stepping in to restrain the pitch invader until the stewards arrived.

The FA are currently investigating the incident, with local police confirming that a 27-year-old man was arrested and charged with pitch encroachment, possession of a Class A drug and a public order offence.

Man of the hour Gerrard told the 'Daily Mail': "It was a bit surreal to be honest.

"I just saw the kid running on and I shouted to the ref who sidestepped him and then he slid into me. It was a bit silly from him, very silly.

"I am the captain. I have a responsibility on behalf of our club, our fans and the referee. I cottoned on to what was happening and grabbed him.

"That it was one out of 2,900 Oldham fans there on the night tells you everything you need to know from both sides. You can't tarnish everyone by the actions of one."

After all the drama, Joe Rafferty's penalty was saved and the game finished 0-0.