Incredible scenes in England » Fans invaded the pitch, after the team promoted at the end of a “crazy” match
Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Monday, 04 May 2026, 16:13 / Updated Monday, 04 May 2026 16:13
A play-off final in English football's tenth division, Division One North, provided incredible scenes after the final whistle as fans invaded the pitch and lit torches to celebrate a penalty shoot-out victory. Almost 2,500 fans packed Droylsden FC's Butchers Arms stadium for their match against Maghull FC on Saturday.
Droylsden FC won 4-3 on penalties after 16 penalties were taken, sparking a pitch invasion at the end of the promotion match, which had finished 3-3.
PHOTO. Pitch invasion in England's 10th division
This weekend's dramatic win earned Droylsden FC promotion to the North West Counties Football League First Division, England's ninth division.
David Pace, the home team's coach, said it was an “epic” match, with “crazy” scenes at the end. Given that the game was played around Manchester, the technician considers it an advantage for the spectators that United and City, the main teams in the city, were not playing “at home” on the day.
“It was a crazy game, our goalkeeper saved five penalties and we missed four.
The fans were amazing and carried us to victory. They were unbelievable. There were a lot of people in attendance, and it helped that neither City nor United were playing at home that day. The wild scenes at the end were incredible,” he said, according to the BBC.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said a supporter was arrested after altercations broke out between rival fans.
The institution added that “most fans in attendance enjoyed the game and headed home safely”. Officers have launched an investigation to identify those involved in the disorder and will take appropriate action”
Droylsden FC thanked supporters and volunteers, adding: “We couldn't have done it without you.” Fans paid £7 to watch the match, while discounted tickets cost £5.
