Macclesfield FC have issued an urgent message to supporters following a fire at their stadium overnight, and now police are investigating the incident as suspected arson.
Macclesfield tell fans to stay away from Moss Rose after fire incident
The National League North outfit confirmed that emergency services attended their Leasing.com Stadium, also known as Moss Rose, at around 1.45am after a blaze broke out.
According to Cheshire Constabulary, officers were alerted to “a deliberate fire in two portable toilets” at the London Road ground shortly after 1.15am. A video circulating on social media showed flames rising from inside the stadium complex.
In a statement, the club urged residents living nearby to avoid the area, keep windows closed and allow emergency services to carry out their work without disruption. They also reassured supporters that the situation was under control and confirmed there were no casualties.
Police enquiries remain ongoing, with officers appealing for anyone with information to come forward. The club added that it will make no further comment while the investigation develops.
Macclesfield, reformed in 2020 following the winding-up of Macclesfield Town, are scheduled to face Chorley at home on Saturday 7th March, though no update has been given on whether this will still go ahead as of yet.
FGG says: A worrying setback for Macclesfield
For a club that has worked hard to rebuild its identity and standing in non-league football, incidents like this are deeply concerning.
While it appears that no one was hurt, any suspected deliberate act at a community stadium is hugely alarming.
Supporters will hope those responsible are identified quickly so the focus can return to football rather than off-field disruption.