Wigan condemn violent clashes between fans after FA Cup win over Manchester City was marred by pitch invasion

League 1 club has issued a statement to express their 'disappointment' with supporters who were involved in ugly scenes after the 1-0 victory at the DW Stadium

(Getty)

Wigan Athletic have expressed their “disappointment” with supporters who ran onto the pitch at the DW Stadium to celebrate the famous 1-0 FA Cup victory over Manchester City on Monday night, with violent clashes being witnessed between rivals groups of fans, with stewards and police and also with the players.

City striker Sergio Aguero was seen being confronted by a Wigan supporter as he attempted to leave the field following the full-time whistle, and angrily responded by attempting to strike the man. Aguero had to be restrained by his teammates, and was eventually taken away from the field by City’s assistant coach Mikel Arteta.

Once the City players had departed the pitch, a group of Wigan fans headed towards the away supporters section, resulting in violent scenes as City supporters attempted to get onto the pitch after being taunted by the home fans. A line of stewards and police prevented them from doing so, but numerous projectiles were thrown by supporters on both sides, which included an advertising hoarding that hit a policeman.

Wigan have wasted little time in issuing a statement to condemn the actions of the supporters who ran onto the pitch at full-time, and stressed that the violent scenes were “inappropriate” and confirmed that a full investigation will be carried out.

A club statement read: “Following Monday night’s enthralling victory over Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup, the club were disappointed to see supporters encroach the pitch at the final whistle.”

Aguero appeared to lash out at a Wigan supporter after being confronted (Getty)

Aguero had to be retrained from reaching the fan (Getty)

Chief Executive Jonathan Jackson added: “Whilst we appreciate that the vast majority of supporters who ran on to the pitch did so spontaneously to celebrate a famous victory, we were disappointed with the action of a minority of supporters who acted in an inappropriate manner. Player and staff safety is of paramount importance and we will conduct a full investigation.

“However, it is important to not let the actions of a few supporters detract from an incredible night at the DW Stadium. A special atmosphere was created by both sets of supporters and the match was yet another memorable day in the history of Wigan Athletic.”

Manchester City fans clashed with police, stewards and rival Wigan supporters (Getty)

The Football Association are likely to have been far from impressed with Monday night’s violent clashes, and are almost certain to take action.

The governing body are also likely to review the half-time incident between City manager Pep Guardiola and his Wigan counterpart Paul Cook. The pair clashed immediately after Fabian Delph’s red card for a dangerous tackle on Max Power, with referee Anthony Taylor initially taking out his yellow card to book the City midfielder before changing his mind and sending the England international off.

The change of decision infuriated Guardiola, who then clashed with Cook on the sidelines, and the row continued down the players’ tunnel once Taylor had blown up for half-time a minute later.

Both played down the incident after the match, with Cook saying: "There are no problems. From our point of view we are trying to get every edge and everything we can, and from his point of view he wants the game played and he is a fantastic manager."

Guardiola added that in his eyes “nothing happened”, although the incident is almost certain to be reviewed.