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Ex-Premier League ace Robbie Savage bravely waded into a mob of furious football fans in an attempt to stop supporters from attacking each other on a terrace during a fiery local derby clash.
Extraordinary footage has emerged of Savage, who has become better known for his flamboyant punditry since his retirement from elite football in 2011, making his way towards the feuding factions at Macclesfield Football Stadium.
The Director of Football at North West Counties Premier Division club Macclesfield had clearly seen enough during the grudge match, which pitted the Silkmen against local rivals Congleton.
Former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage ran on to the pitch to break up a brawl during Macclesfiel’s game against local rivals Congleton
Fans have hailed the Macclesfield director of football for stepping in after ‘cans were thrown and smoke bombs let off’ in the stands, with some throwing punches
As tempers flare, Savage can be seen making his way towards the scrap and placing a peace-keeping hand on a man’s shoulder while two throngs of angry-looking adversaries confront each other.
Other videos appeared to show fans aiming punches at each other, with Savage being seen waving people away with his back to the game in a move that impressed many onlookers.
One said: ‘Big up Robbie Savage for going into the fighting crowd to calm it down. Absolute legend.’
Others watching the fractious action, which took place in the 90th minute of the sold-out game, called Savage ‘super Rob’ and applauded the former Derby and Leicester midfielder for ‘sorting it out’.
Dubbing the showdown ‘El Cheshico’ because of its Cheshire setting, one viewer observed: ‘Full on kick-off. Game stopped. Robbie Savage wading in appealing to fans.’
A spokesman for Savage told The Sun that the former Wales international had been ‘keen’ to snuff out the skirmishes.
They said: ‘Robbie, being part owner of the football club, was keen to break up the small selection of fans who were being aggressive, to ensure the game finished without any violence.
‘He hopes everyone got home safely. It was a fantastic occasion for Macclesfield Football Club today, with over 3,500 fans back in the stadium.’
A supporter claimed to the outlet: ‘At first, supporters were just throwing cans, and there were smoke bombs about 20 minutes before kick off. Then they all just kind of rushed each other.’
Savage was named as head of football when non-league Macclesfield relaunched in February
Macclesfield joined the fifth step of the National League system this month. Earlier on Monday, proud Savage had tweeted: ‘Incredible that only three teams in League Two on Saturday and four in the National League had a bigger attendance than The Silkmen will get today.
‘We will have the eighth-biggest today, from League Two down, on this Bank Holiday weekend at step five of football.’
Macclesfield won the match 1-0 courtesy of James McNally-Berry’s second half strike.
Source: DailyMail Sports
