THE assistant coach of a football club was arrested after a fight between two groups in a nightclub.

Chorley FC assistant coach Mike Quiqley was one of two men from Bolton who were arrested after the row.

Representatives of Chorley Football Club had been given free entry to Applejax nightclub in Chorley town centre after the team’s 1-0 defeat at North Ferriby United last Saturday.

Applejax manager Peter Verhaege said doorstaff dealt with an incident inside the club 45 minutes after the Chorley FC party arrived and they were needed to separate two groups.

Violence then spilled out on to the street outside and police arrested the club’s assistant coach, Mr Quigley, aged 42, from Bolton, and another Bolton man, aged 31.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We were made aware that some people had to be ejected from the club. We attended and two men were arrested for being drunk and disorderly. They were given fixed-penalty notices.”

Fixed penalty notices are between £50 or £80 but Lancashire Police could not say how much the men had been fined.

Mr Verhaege added: “I am deeply offended and disgusted at the behaviour of the people involved. They should be ashamed of themselves when carrying and representing the good name of Chorley. To have behaved in such a loutish manner is unacceptable.

“They have not only brought shame to club they represent, but brought the name of Applejax nightclub into disrepute.

“I would like to see a personal and public apology for this disgusting behaviour from those involved and from Chorley Football Club.”

Among the party was Chorley FC manager Garry Flitcroft, who lives in Bromley Cross, though he was not one of those arrested.

Chorley FC director Graham Watkinson said: “Club officials will be carrying out investigations into the incident and club discipline will be carried out as deemed necessary.”

He added the club would apologise to Applejax bosses.