Rochdale AFC's ground was evacuated following the discovery of a 'tablet with wires sticking out', the Manchester Evening News understands.
Bomb disposal officers arrived the club's Spotland Stadium at around 5.30pm on Wednesday.
A large cordon was put in place several hours earlier after a 'suspicious package' was found at the site .
Several sources have told the Manchester Evening News that the item in question was some form of tablet that had wires sticking out of it.
This however has not yet been confirmed by GMP.
A specialist robot has been sent into the ground to examine the package.
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A second white van - unmarked but understood to be another bomb disposal unit - arrived at the club not long afterwards.
Sandy Lane is currently closed off, as have several other streets surrounding the scene.
Those living and working in the area have been told by police it ‘could be closed for a few hours, or could be all night’.
One woman who was visiting family at the time described the situation as 'very scary'.
She said residents haven't been told what is happening and if they will have to evacuate their homes.
Rochdale AFC said in a statement: "The club can confirm we have had to shut the stadium due to a police incident.
"All of the staff have been safely evacuated and the situation is now in the hands of Greater Manchester Police."
GMP added: "Shortly after 3.06pm today, police were called to reports of a suspicious package at Spotland Stadium, Rochdale.
"Police officers are in attendance and enquiries are ongoing.
"A cordon is in place and there are a number of road closures in the nearby area. Commuters are advised to avoid the area where possible."
Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting reference number 1627 of 02/10/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111
