The Chesterfield captain, Ian Evatt, has called for more protection for players after claiming he was punched, kicked and spat on by Preston North End fans after his side’s 3-0 defeat in Sunday’s League One play-off semi-final second leg.
Evatt, who played for Preston’s rivals Blackpool between 2006 and 2013, said he was attacked after the final whistle at Deepdale as fans invaded the pitch to celebrate Preston’s 4-0 aggregate victory over Chesterfield.
“It’s well reported I’m an ex-Blackpool player,” the 33-year-old told BBC Radio 5 Live. “After the final whistle the Preston fans invaded the pitch. I was gathered around by a couple of hundred fans at least, shouting abuse, spitting. I got hit and kicked a couple of times.
“[It was] more than pushing and shoving,” Evatt said. “I’ve reported it to the police and Sky Sports have given the police the footage of the two guys who threw the punches.
“To be honest, it’s so disappointing. How long will this go on for until there’s a real serious incident? It’s too easy for fans nowadays to invade football pitches. Something needs to be done about it.
“The more it goes on, the more likely there will be a serious offence and a serious injury to a player.”
Evatt also took to Twitter to voice his concerns, calling the scenes at Deepdale “a disgrace” while he said he hoped “those responsible are locked up!!”
Crowd-related incidents have become more prevalent in recent months. Aston Villa were charged by the FA for failing to prevent spectators encroaching on the pitch after beating their Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup sixth round on 7 March.
Following the events at Villa Park, in which 17 men were arrested, West Brom expressed their “deep concern” for their players’ safety. Callum McManaman, a substitute, had to be restrained by a team-mate from retaliating after being provoked by gloating Villa fans.
Reading were also charged for failing to control their fans after a pitch invasion in their FA Cup sixth-round win over Bradford in March and riot police were deployed at Rotherham in February after Millwall supporters tried to reach home fans during their side’s 2-1 defeat. In South Africa on Saturday, a Kaizer Chiefs fan was shot dead during a pitch invasion after reportedly trying to disarm a police officer.
Preston are yet to comment. They will face Swindon or Sheffield United, who play their semi-final second leg on Monday, in the League One play-off final.
Chesterfield said Evatt had given a statement to police over the alleged attack. Inspector Steve Bradshaw, of Lancashire Police, said that “while the player was thankfully not seriously hurt, police are investigating the assault, including reviewing CCTV footage”.
Chesterfield’s assistant manager, Leam Richardson, said Evatt had not been hurt in the alleged attack and he also condemned the incident.
“The rivalry, you can’t underestimate that but to lay hands on people as supporters and men is a disgrace,” said Richardson. “Ian’s fine. He did not react, categorically not. He never reacted. He was surrounded by a few thousand but he’s conducted himself very well.
“He’s an emotional kid anyway, Ian, and he’s disappointed with the outcome of the two legs. And you are disappointed with the outcome of one or two individuals.”
To be attacked on a football pitch and fear for your safety is an absolute disgrace I was punched kicked and spat on several times #disgrace
— Ian Evatt (@ianevatt23) May 10, 2015
