Anthony Gerrard stops Oldham Athletic fan from attacking referee after penalty decision against Rochdale

Gerrard, the cousin of former Liverpool and England captain Steven, grabbed the Oldham supporter after he slipped over while running towards referee Peter Bankes

An Oldham supporter runs onto the pitch to confront referee Peter Bankes (Getty)

Oldham boss Richie Wellens has condemned a supporter who invaded the pitch in his team’s match at Rochdale and appeared to target the referee.

The supporter slipped over as match official Peter Bankes looked to get out of his way, and was grabbed by Oldham’s Anthony Gerrard, the cousin of former England and Liverpool captain Steven.

Gerrard had just given away a penalty when he fouled the home side’s Joe Thompson.

Joe Rafferty saw his spot-kick saved after a delay caused in part by the pitch invader, who sprinted towards the penalty area before falling.

An Oldham supporter runs onto the pitch to confront referee Peter Bankes (Sky Sports) (Getty)

Bankes moves out of the way as Anthony Gerrard restrains the supporter (Sky Sports)

Oldham manager Richie Wellens condemned the incident and said invading the pitch is 'not right' (Sky Sports)

Wellens said he had not witnessed the full incident, only noticing the moment the fan was stopped by Gerrard, who is a cousin of former England captain Steven Gerrard. The fan was then led away by stewards.

“I saw the end of it. I didn’t see what happened, I saw someone slip into Gerrard,” Wellens said.

“If he’s a fan running on the pitch he’s picking on the wrong lad in Gerrard because I’ve seen him box.

“For any fan to come onto the pitch is not right. Got loads of fans here who were brilliant and behaved.”

The League One match at Spotland finished goalless.

PA