Latics threatened with reduced allocations

The Football Association has written to the club for their observations following the scenes that followed Yanic Wildschut’s stoppage-time winner against Walsall last weekend.

It’s the third time this season that Latics fans have got on to the pitch in such a manner, after similar scenes at Chesterfield in September and Bury in October.

And Sharpe is anxious to avoid a repeat, with the threat of a fine or reduced ticket allocations among the steps the authorities can take.

“This season has been unbelievable for late goals, it’s been crazy how many there have been,” said Sharpe.

“I jumped out of my seat against Walsall like everyone else did who was a Latics supporter at the Banks’s Stadium. Those are moments why we all love football and want to follow our team, and the atmosphere in the away end was understandably ecstatic.

“However, no one should be on the pitch. It’s a criminal offence to do so, it’s really that straightforward.

“Myself, the manager and the team need every single one of you between now and the end of the season, but fans celebrating on the pitch after a goal can lead to further sanctions.

“The last thing we want is for fans to be banned from watching the team we love.

“But it’s something that is taken out of our hands. I would hate there to be any repercussions on individuals or the club as a result of this.

“We therefore remind our supporters to stay off the pitch at all times, and we hope there are many more moments to celebrate this season and in the future.”