A CRAZED Oldham fan was just inches away from clattering referee Peter Bankes during tonight’s 0-0 draw at Rochdale.
The furious pitch invader climbed over the advertising boards at the Spotland Stadium and charged towards the official before trying to grab him.
Bankes spotted the enraged supporter and sidestepped him causing a comical tumble.
But there would have been no cause for laughter had the fan made contact with his target.
Anthony Gerrard – cousin of Liverpool legend Steven – ran over to restrain the pitch invader and held him back from Bankes while he appeared to hurl abuse at the ref.
Ironically, it was a decision given against Gerrard, 32, which sparked the incensed reaction.
Bankes awarded Rochdale a first-half penalty after the defender was deemed to have fouled Joe Thompson.
It is illegal to invade the pitch and the fan could now face criminal charges.
West Ham issued lifetime bans to supporters who stormed the pitch or threw missiles in front of the director’s box during last month’s chaotic defeat to Burnley.
Ref Michael Oliver was barraged with online abuse after awarding Real Madrid a last-minute penalty in their Champions League quarter-final second leg clash against Juventus last week.
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Gianluigi Buffon said Oliver had “a bag of rubbish for a heart” after the decision.
Oliver received sick threats and his wife Lucy – also a referee – had vicious text messages sent to her mobile after her phone number was posted online.
Uefa says it “strongly condemns” the abuse they both received.
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