Saturday 2 May 2015 16:27, UK
Blackpool’s game with Huddersfield at Bloomfield Road had to be abandoned after a pitch invasion by demonstrating fans.
The players were called down the tunnel when hundreds of Blackpool of supporters ran on to the field in the 55th minute. They held a demonstration against chairman Karl Oyston in front of the directors box, and then a sit-down protest in the centre circle.
The match was finally abandoned, long after the other 3pm kick-offs had finished.
A flare was set off while fans also held up banners against Oyston, who watched on from his seat in the West Stand, for his already-relegated side's final game of the season.
After the abandonment was confirmed, the protesters moved into the stands and tried to gain entry to the boardroom area.
The protesters had reportedly planned to start their campaign earlier in the day at the statue of Blackpool legend Stan Mortensen - on the 62nd anniversary of his famous FA Cup final hat-trick - but the club had temporarily removed it.
Blackpool supporters still demonstrated outside the stadium before kick-off, with chants continuing throughout the match.
That ill-feeling reached fever pitch when hundreds flooded out of the stands to show their disgust at the reign of chairman Oyston and owner Owen Oyston.
Flares were released and the scene soon became farcical as some fans began a conga, while a supporter in a mobility scooter drove onto the pitch.
Blackpool will face a Football Association investigation and could be hit with a fine or a points deduction.
Fans' groups Blackpool Supporters Trust and the Tangerine Knights had dubbed May 2 'Judgement Day' following Oyston's declaration that naysayers should "judge us at the end of the season" back in August.
A Football League spokesman said: "Following the abandonment of today's match at Bloomfield Road, it will be for the Football Association to consider any matters relating to crowd behaviour with The Football League ruling on whether or not the match should be replayed."
Saturday’s demonstration is the latest against Oyston and his family following protests against them prior to the draw with Reading earlier this month when supporters threw eggs at the back of the directors' boxes, as well as hurling a flare and firework in front of the main reception in the West Stand.
Last season a game against Burnley was stopped on multiple occasions as supporters tossed tangerines and tennis balls on to the pitch, and the anger against the Oyston family has only spread since.
"It just compounds an absolutely horrendous season," Blackpool manager Lee Clark said. "The supporters were just acting on this season and the culmination of the relegation.
"Frustration has been building up over a period of time. It's a very, very disappointing day.
"I have the feelings of a supporter and I'll never criticise them. Since I came through the door there has been a very toxic atmosphere and you can't be successful with that.
"Is the game going to be replayed? No-one knows as it's a unique situation."
