Warrington Wolves and Widnes Vikings have issued statements after crowd disorder led to one supporter being taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The two clubs played out a pre-season friendly at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday night with Warrington emerging victorious. The Super League outfit won 50-12, but the contest was marred by fan trouble between the two sets of supporters.
Disorder in the ground, including fans entering the field of play, led to referee Jack Smith pausing the contest before seeming to blow up for full time early. Those involved battled with stewards with footage emerging online of the unsavoury behaviour.
That continued outside the ground after the full-time whistle and Cheshire Police have confirmed that a fight broke out on the surrounding streets as fans clashed. The violence led to a 17-year-old Warrington Wolves supporter being hospitalised due to his injuries.
The extent of his injuries have not been confirmed but the police have opened an investigation into the incident with witnesses being spoken to. An arrest has not been made at this point in time.
Both clubs have now issued statements to confirm the supporter has been taken to hospital, with the two sides offering support to the family and working closely with the police to help in any way they can.
The statements from the two clubs are almost identical, but Warrington’s read: “Warrington Wolves are aware of an incident involving one of our supporters that occurred last night, who was taken to hospital and is currently receiving medical care.
“We are offering our full support to the family and are working closely with the police, and Widnes Vikings in relation to the incident.
“Anyone with any information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 2248844, or visit cheshire.police.uk.
“Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Widnes added in their statement: “Our thoughts are with the individual involved and their family at this time.”
Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.
John Dalton
January 10, 2026 at 6:06 pm
It’s pre-season, with a lot of unimportant fixtures taking place.
From under which rock did these NUMPTIES appear? There is no place in our sport for them. I understand that there could be a leaky boat, somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic for them.
Was there no football on…………….