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Two charged after trouble at football game

James McClean holding a yellow football, stood on the pitch pointing in front of the crowd. Four stewards in hi-vis gear are seen standing near to him.
Stewards formed a barricade after objects were being thrown from the crowds [Getty Images]

Two men have been charged following crowd incidents at Wrexham's League One fixture with Shrewsbury Town.

Will Smith, 25, was charged with entering the pitch and Adon Francis, 39, was charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, said West Mercia Police.

Footage showed Shrewsbury supporters throwing objects at Wrexham's James McClean when he went to take a throw-in during the second half on Thursday.

Shrewsbury Town banned four supporters from future matches pending investigation, reminding fans that throwing missiles and the possession or use of pyrotechnic devices are both criminal offences.

The English Football League said it was also investigating the incident that saw stewards forming a barricade and the game briefly paused.

McClean made derogatory comments about Shrewsbury in a now deleted post on his Instagram account after Wrexham's 2-1 defeat.

Smith, of Whitehouse Gardens in Shrewsbury, is due to appear at Telford Magistrates Court on Tuesday 18 February. Francis, of no fixed abode, is due to appear at the same court on Tuesday 11 February.

West Mercia Police said a third man, aged 29, was also arrested on suspicion of entering the pitch and possession of class A drugs. He has been released on bail as enquiries continue.

Shrewsbury Town Football Club said it would not tolerate criminal behaviour in a statement on Tuesday.

It said: "The club will not tolerate criminal or anti-social behaviour that puts the safety of others at risk.

"Three supporters have been issued bans pending further investigation so far, and one supporter has received an extended ban for breach of an existing order."

Anyone with information relevant to issues during the game has been asked to contact the club.

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