Morecambe 1-1 Bolton Wanderers: League One game stopped after 'barrage of abuse'

Bolton boss Ian Evatt spoke to referee Ross Joyce before the game at Morecambe was suspended

A League One game was stopped for 10 minutes after a "barrage of abuse" including racism was said to be directed towards the opposition.

Referee Ross Joyce took Morecambe and Bolton players off the pitch on 88 minutes of the 1-1 draw.

Morecambe said they were aware of the allegations and would investigate.

"From minute one the barrage of abuse from directly behind the dugout was astonishing," Bolton boss Ian Evatt told BBC Radio Manchester.

"No protection. Encroachment, spitting and it takes the worst of all remarks - a racist remark - for somebody to stand up and do something about it.

"I'm emotional. This game never fails to disappoint me. I feel for Stephen [Robinson, Morecambe boss], because his team has fought and it's not in any shape at all a mark against him, he was outstanding on the touchline and completely understanding."

Evatt said he was proud of the way his players, who had trailed to Cole Stockton's goal, had "stuck together" after they came from behind to earn a point through Amadou Bakayoko's 104th-minute equaliser once the game had resumed.

"If one of us gets abused, we all get abused. We all stuck together, we all did the right thing and this needs to be stamped out of the game," Evatt added.

"It's the worst I've seen by far. Just because we are sportsmen and professional people and we work for opposition football clubs, it does not give you a right to say and do what you want to us.

"We are human beings and we deserve to be treated like human beings. Some things are bigger than football and today is bigger than football."

In a statement, Morecambe said the club was "aware of a series of incidents and allegations" that had been made.

"The club will work with all relevant authorities to investigate," the club said. "Morecambe FC will be making no further comment at this time."

Shrimps boss Stephen Robinson added to BBC Radio Lancashire: "There are lots of accusations flying about, but the relevant authorities will deal with it.

"It's not what we want to see, the players are here to play football."

After a quiet first half the game came to life when Bolton skipper Ricardo Santos was sent off in the 71st minute for a handball which led to a penalty, with Stockton's effort well saved by James Trafford.

Two minutes later Stockton did find the target to turn home Shane McLoughlin's cross from close range after a quick break by Jonah Ayunga.

The situation then turned sour as Bolton fans threw objects at Morecambe keeper Adam Smith, before Joyce took the players off for around 10 minutes after Evatt reacted angrily to the comments allegedly made to his players from home fans behind the dugout.

When they returned Bolton hit back, with a cross from the left finding substitute Bakayoko, who scored from close range to give his side a point.

Match details supplied by PA Media.