A referee in the North West has been assaulted on the pitch shortly after giving a red card, and has been left with ‘significant injuries’.
Dave Bradshaw was admitted to hospital following the attack, which occurred while he was overseeing an amateur match between Wigan Rose and Platt Bridge FC.
He issued a red card to a player for Platt Bridge FC on Sunday afternoon, who then launched an attack on the referee.
It’s understood his injuries include broken ribs, a concussion, and a broken nose, Lancs Live reports.
Dave Bradshaw was attacked on the pitch in Wigan. Credit: Facebook
The player responsible for the attack is no longer part of the Platt Bridge FC team, the club announced.
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They said in a statement on Facebook: “We as a club do not condone any violence towards anyone in the football community.
“We are ashamed of what has happened, and the player is no longer playing with our team going forward.
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“We as a team hope we can build our reputation back to what we have worked so hard for.”
Dave said on Monday: “It’s been a very traumatic 12 hours, thanks for all the kind words. I’ve sustained substantial injuries.
“I’ll survive [but] my confidence has been smashed to bits. Please because of one person don’t tarnish the club with the same brush. The club are doing great things for the community.”
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He’d earlier said: “Can’t sleep in so much pain.”
GMP said: “Police were made aware at around 6pm on Sunday 2 October 2022 of a serious assault, that had taken place during the Platt Bridge v Wigan Rose Remembrance Cup game, held earlier in the day at football pitches in a Platt Bridge.
“As a result, a referee sustained significant injuries which resulted in him needing hospital treatment. As over 100 people attended the game, officers are asking anyone with any information, including mobile phone footage, to contact them. This can be done via gmp.police.uk, 101 or 0161 856 7094, quoting reference number 2490-021022. Crimestoppers – the independent charity – can also be contacted on 0800 555 111 and in emergency, dial 999.”
The FA said in a statement titled ‘Enough is enough’: “We are aware of incidents of assault on a match official and a player during matches played this weekend in Lancashire.
“We have been very clear that all forms of anti-social behaviour, abuse and assaults on match officials and participants are completely unacceptable and we will not tolerate this in the game.
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“We are investigating the incidents as a matter of urgency, working with the Lancashire FA, who are liaising with the police and supporting the match official and player affected.”
Featured image: Facebook
News
Police urgently appeal after 90-year-old woman killed by reversing car in Failsworth
Emily Sergeant
Police are urgently appealing to the public for information and witnesses after an elderly woman was killed by a reversing car last week.
At around 3pm on Wednesday 7 January, officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a collision between a car and pedestrian on Albert Street West in Failsworth, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a woman, aged 90, had been struck by a reversing vehicle.
The woman was promptly taken to hospital in a ‘serious’ condition.
However, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, she sadly later died from her injuries earlier this week (13 January).
#APPEAL | Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for information after a woman in her 90s was struck by a car on Albert Street West, Failsworth on 07/01/26
Following the incident, a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving offences, but he has since been released on bail.
As officers progress their investigation at pace, GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are continuing to appeal for information and witnesses, urging the public to come forward if there’s any way they can help.
The appeal goes out to anyone who believes they saw the vehicle driving before the collision, witnessed the incident itself, or has dashcam footage or CCTV of the incident.
Sharing an official update online, the RFL wrote: “Wane, who has led England since February 2020, has taken time to reflect on the programme and believes the timing is right for new leadership to guide the team into the next phase, including the upcoming World Cup.
“During his tenure, Wane oversaw memorable series victories over Tonga in 2023 and a star-studded Samoa a year later, as well as a semi-final in the World Cup. He finishes with 14 wins from 19 matches.”
Crediting him as one of “a very small elite number of coaches to have won the full suite of domestic club honours and achieved World Club Championship success”, hailing his experience and longevity both as a player and as a coach.
As for Wane himself, he said: “It has been the honour of my life to coach England Rugby League over the last six years, but after careful reflection, I believe the time is right to step aside and allow the programme to move forward into its next chapter.
England are on the lookout for a new coach heading into the World Cup after being swept in the Ashes.
Coach Shaun Wane has reportedly resigned from the post after a disappointing 3-0 whitewash against Australia last year.
The 61-year-old ex-pro goes on to add, “The privilege of leading my country in a World Cup, an Ashes Series on home soil and securing victories over Tonga and Samoa will live long in the memory.
“I’m incredibly grateful to all the players, coaches and staff I’ve worked alongside during that time; their commitment and professionalism made those moments possible. I wish everyone involved with England Rugby League the best going forward and for the World Cup later this year.”
According to the latest reports online, St Helens boss Paul Rowley is now said to be the favourite to take over in the interim.
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup is still months away (scheduled to take place in October and November), but the governing body will want to get the new setup and coaching in place as soon as possible to prepare for the tournament.
Daisy Jackson -
5th October 2022 
