Arrest made after referee is victim of horror on-field assault during South Lancs Counties fixture between Platt Bridge and Wigan Rose

Dave Bradshaw was officiating the clash between Platt Bridge and Wigan Rose, when an incident took place which saw him sustain facial injuries, cracked ribs, a dislocated shoulder, concussion and whiplash.

He was admitted to hospital but has since been released.

Platt Bridge immediately confirmed the player in question has already left the club.

And Greater Manchester Police have been swift to make an arrest after launching a investigation.

“A 24-year-old man has today (Wednesday 5 October 2022) been arrested on suspicion of the serious assault of a football referee following the Platt Bridge v Wigan Rose Remembrance Cup game on Sunday 2 October 2022,” read a statement.

"As a result, the victim sustained serious injuries, resulting in him requiring hospital treatment.

"Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector John Davies, said: ‘This is a serious assault in which the victim sustained significant, but not life-threatening, injuries.

“’GMP takes assaults such as this extremely seriously and we will be supporting the victim as the investigation progresses, to ensure his wellbeing.

“’We are asking if anyone has any images or videos of the incident that took place at the football pitches in Platt Bridge on Sunday, to get in touch with us.

“’You can contact us on 0161 856 7094 quoting reference number 2490-021022, 101 or through the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.’”

Bradshaw, from Whelley, is recovering at home after his ordeal.

"I'll survive," he posted on social media. "Thanks for all the nice messages I've received. Up the refs"

Platt Bridge FC 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."

A further message confirmed: "We have spoken to the ref and apologised."

Bradshaw later added: "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"

The FA also released a statement saying the incident would be dealt with ‘as a matter of urgency’.

It read: “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."