THE English Football League have issued a statement following the completion of Oldham Athletic's home game with Salford City, which ended in Latics being relegated to the National League following a 2-1 defeat.

The game was stopped with 11 minutes of the 90 remaining after hundreds of Latics fans staged a pitch invasion and protest against the club's ownership.

It was initially announced that the match would be abandoned.

However, with the outcome of the game having significance at both the top and bottom of League Two, time running out in the season to replay the fixture, and the scoreline finely poised at 2-1, a decision was taken to complete the match behind closed doors.

An EFL spokesperson said: “This afternoon’s Sky Bet League Two fixture between Oldham Athletic and Salford City has been concluded behind closed doors.

“The remaining 14 minutes played resulted in a final scoreline of Oldham Athletic 1 Salford City 2 and as a result Oldham Athletic have been relegated from League Two.

“Despite the earlier announcement of the abandonment of the fixture, after discussions with both Clubs, match officials, and stadium security it was agreed the match could be concluded today.

“The decision was taken in order to maintain the integrity of the competition given the importance of the fixture at both ends of the League Two table.”