In the words of Ian Evatt 'To be attacked on a football pitch and fear for your safety is a disgrace' but that was the fate of the former Seasiders defender at Deepdale on Sunday afternoon. Following a pitch invasion (something it would be ironic for Blackpool fans to condone) after their Play Off win against Chesterfield, some North End fans saw Evo as a target for abuse and clearly took it too far.

In a number of tweets, Ian wrote:

The photo from today's game above shows just how annoyed the defender was after the incident and at the lack of protection he got as he was leaving the field. Chesterfield assistant manager Leam Richardson said that Evatt had not been hurt in the alleged attack, but condemned the incident as a disgrace. “The rivalry, you can’t underestimate that, but to lay hands on people as supporters and men is a disgrace,” said Richardson. “Ian’s fine. He did not react, categorically not. He never reacted. He was surrounded by a few thousand but he’s conducted himself very well."

Of course there is an argument to say that a peaceful protest in which the only damage which is done is for a game to be abandoned is nowhere near as bad as one that ends in violence and unnecessary attacks. Hopefully the Football League will take that in to account when dishing out any punishment.

Photo: Action Images

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