A cheering Wigan Athletic fan could see the funny side when his car was painted “BWFC” after a lively derby in the Greater Manchester area.
Despite manager Ian Evatt earlier this week claiming the Bolton Wanderers were “the best team in League One”, his side were defeated 4-0 by the Latics this afternoon (October 16).
However, the game was marred by fan issues in the second half as the referee had to speak to police during the game after rockets and debris were thrown onto the pitch at the University of Bolton Stadium.
A number of supporters were thrown from the ground, with Bolton pledging to investigate the GMP incidents and take action.
And Barry Longstaffe from Orrell, Wigan, fell victim to further fan behavior after the game.
Barry had traveled to the game in his car – the back proudly features a large Wigan Athletic window sticker.
READ MORE: Bolton boss Ian Evatt on Wigan loss, “fearful” Wanderers and “humiliating” loss to Latics
But when he got back to the bright red Nissan Qashqai, he saw that his left side was defaced in white with “BWFC” – short for Bolton Wanderers Football Club.
Barry, 32, said, “I went back to the car from the floor and was sent a video [showing the car], and a message that says, “Please don’t tell me this is your car?”.
Barry Longstaffe sees the funny side after his team’s victory
(Image: Lauren Carter)
“But obviously it was. I laughed about it, but it was annoying at the same time. It’s more surprising that you could spell it correctly.”
Barry, who has played the Latics since moving to Wigan from Liverpool at the age of seven, is a regular at games and can hear his drum beating across the terraces.
He was able to take in the graffiti in a good mood, having just won the soaring crew with cousin Lauren Carter and 4,000 Wigan supporters.
He said, “To be fair it wasn’t that bad – we beat them 4-0, didn’t we?
“It’s okay, it’s one of them. You take the rough with the smooth.
“I’ve already spoken to one of the Latics fans who is a valeter, he makes soccer cars and he’s going to be watching that this week – and then send the bill to Bolton.”
Barry says the atmosphere among the Wigan fans in the ground was “electric” but the Trotters fans at home were dejected.
Goals from Will Keane and Callum Lang and a double from James McClean gave Wigan three points and the right to show off to their rivals.
But the game was marred by the crowd’s troubles in the second half when missiles were dropped as McClean – who was embroiled in a war of words with Wanderers over his move to Wigan earlier this season – scored his opening goal.
Lauren Carter celebrates Wigan’s 4-0 win with her cousin’s defaced car
(Image: Lauren Carter)
After Bolton goalkeeper Joel Dixon deflected Lang’s goal into his own net in the 65th minute, there were further disruptions.
Advertising signs were torn down by some Latics supporters, while more debris was thrown onto the pitch by some of the home fans.
A number of spectators were thrown out and Referee Charles Breakspear stopped on the verge of undressing the teams, but spoke to the police, stewards and both managers before allowing the game to continue.
After the game, a Bolton Wanderers spokesman said: “The Bolton Wanderers are investigating a number of incidents of spectator disturbance during Saturday’s game against Wigan Athletic at the University of Bolton Stadium.
“After incidents in the second half when objects – including pyrotechnics – were thrown onto the field, several spectators from both clubs were thrown out.
“Walkers will continue to work closely with Greater Manchester Police to identify perpetrators and take action.
“Wanderers, meanwhile, condemn any form of mass disorder in their games.
“Such behavior will not be tolerated at the University of Bolton Stadium and the club will attempt to take appropriate action against any fans who have been involved in any of the incidents reported on Saturday or in the future.”
A Wigan statement said: “We will work closely with the Bolton Wanderers and Greater Manchester Police to support their investigations into mass incidents in today’s game at the University of Bolton Stadium.
“We condemn all cases of disorder.”
The video sent to Barry, which was posted on Facebook by a Bolton fan but was later removed, had a caption that read, “Not my job, but for tearing down our signs.”
Barry, whose wife is from Bolton, added: “My wife knows a lot of die-hard Bolton fans, so it remains to be seen who is responsible.
“The first time I met her I asked if she was a Bolton fan and she said, ‘Does Bolton still have a football team?’
“I knew then that she would do it for me.”
Get the latest news, sports and news delivered to your email by subscribing to the Manchester Evening News’ free newsletter here.
