Bolton Wanderers 0-4 Wigan Athletic: Trouble overshadows impressive Latics win

Wigan's Max Power clears a bottle of coke thrown on to the field from the stands

Wigan Athletic's thrashing of derby rivals Bolton Wanderers was marred by crowd trouble, which saw Latics winger James McClean pelted by missiles and advertising hoardings ripped down.

Despite appeals from the police and both camps going into the match, troubled flared within the 21,000-strong crowd after McClean's first of two goals for the visitors, and continued afterwards with debris and a flare tossed on to the field, while some spectators were ejected.

Referee Charles Breakspear stopped the game at one stage to speak with police, stewards and both managers, but eventually allowed play to continue.

Afterwards, Bolton condemned "any form of crowd disorder at their games".

In a statement, the club said: "A number of spectators from both clubs were ejected following incidents in the second half when objects - including pyrotechnics - were thrown onto the pitch.

"Wanderers will continue to work closely with Greater Manchester Police to identify offenders and take action.

"Such behaviour at the University of Bolton Stadium will not be tolerated and the club will seek to take the appropriate action against any supporters found to have been involved in any of the incidents reported on Saturday or in the future."

The game itself was played against a backdrop of comments from Bolton boss Ian Evatt that his side were the best in the division, and although Leam Richardson denied it had been motivation afterwards, such confidence came back to haunt Evatt on a tough afternoon.

The Wanderers boss was taunted by 4,000 away supporters after Will Keane, Callum Lang and two goals from McClean earned Richardson's promotion chasers an impressive victory.

Keane started the rout after six minutes, and that was how it stayed until McClean scored on 50 minutes, soon after followed by Lang's effort - deflected in via goalkeeper Joel Dixon.

Republic of Ireland star McClean ensured Bolton's heaviest home defeat of Evatt's reign with his second goal nine minutes from time.

Wigan also issued a statement following the match, saying: "We will work closely with Bolton Wanderers and Greater Manchester Police to support their investigations into crowd disorder at today's game at the University of Bolton Stadium.

"We condemn any instances of disorder from today's match and will take appropriate action against any perpetrators who breached ground regulations during the game."

Match details supplied by PA Media.

A flare was among the items lobbed onto the pitch

Stewards had to intervene to remove the hoarding

Referee Charles Breakspear had to clear some of the debris from the pitch