Former Walsall man Anthony Gerrard restrains furious fan from charging at referee
Former Walsall defender Anthony Gerrard was on the ball as he restrained a furious fan who charged at a referee last night (Tuesday).
Gerrard, 32, came face-to-face with the fan who angrily burst on to the Spotland pitch during last night's goalless draw between Rochdale and Oldham.
Latics defender Gerrard, who played for the Saddlers between 2005 and 2009 where he made 182 appearances, was first to react and restrain the fan who was heading to referee Peter Bankes.
Gerrard had just conceded a penalty for a foul on Joe Thompson, which brought a delay in part because of the fan charging on to the pitch towards the official.
The cousin of former Liverpool and England skipper Steven prevented potentially unsavoury scenes by restraining the enraged fan. Stewards eventually led the fan off the pitch.
Oldham boss Richie Wellens said: "If a fan's running on to the pitch he's picking on the wrong lad in Gerrard because I've seen him box."
The crucial League One relegation clash finished with no goals. It leaves Rochdale 21st with Oldham one place and point better off. Dean Keates' Walsall are 19th, one point above Oldham.
