Tempers flared during Macclesfield's 3-1 win away at Lancaster City.

Police were called to The Giant Axe football stadium on Saturday afternoon (February 22) following reports of disorder amongst the crowd.

It is understood that items including cups of beer, glass bottles and a plastic bin were thrown between the two sets of fans, prompting the referee to halt the game.

A spokesperson for the club said: "Macclesfield FC are aware of incidents that took place at yesterday's game against Lancaster City.

"Supporter testimonies from those who made the trip to the Giant Axe have been verified with significant video footage highlighting the saddening events that occurred midway through the first half.

"We will fully support any subsequent investigation which may take place and will offer our guidance in terms of relaying how and why these disturbing events unfolded.

"We will be making no further comment at this time."

Lancaster City took the lead through Brayden Shaw after 17 minutes.

Macclesfield were awarded a penalty soon after, which Danny Elliott converted to level the game.

During the celebrations, a smoke flare was thrown onto the pitch.

An eyewitness said that minutes later, a group of Lancaster fans approached the visiting Macclesfield supporters and began throwing items at them, including glass bottles and a plastic bin.

They added that there were just four stewards trying to manage the situation, prompting Macclesfield manager Robbie Savage and the players to come over to try and calm things down.

After a delay of around 15 minutes, the game got back underway and there were no further major disturbances, with Macclesfield going on to win 3-1 thanks to an Elliott hattrick.

Following the final whistle, Silkmen supporters were held back until the home fans had left the ground.

The Giant Axe stadium in Lancaster (Credit: Google Maps)

A statement released by Lancaster City following the game reads: "Lancaster City Football Club condemn the actions from supporters of both sides today, as the game was stopped for a period of time due to disorder in the first half.

"Regrettably the police had to be called and there was the potential of the game today being abandoned.

"The club would like to thank Lancashire Police for their response.

"A full report will be made to the league and police.

"No further comment will be made at this time."

Lancashire Police were called to the scene shortly after 3.30pm, half an hour after kick-off.

A spokesperson for the force said: "It was reported that groups of fans were fighting inside the stadium and that the match has been temporarily halted.

"After we attended, the match resumed and at the conclusion of the full-time whistle both sets of fans left the ground largely without incident.

"No arrests were made."

A Section 34 dispersal order was put in place at the stadium and in the centre of Lancaster as a result of the disorder.

"We thank the public in that area of Lancaster for their co-operation and understanding in this matter," added the Lancashire Police spokesperson.

"It is important we worked with the community and clubs to reduce the threat of disorder.

"We will not tolerate football related violence.

"If anyone has any concerns about what has happened or information they want to pass to us, they can contact us 101 quoting log 777 of February 22."

The Northern Premier League has been approached for comment.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

You can also follow Macclesfield Nub News on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram or Bluesky.