Preston boss Alan Irvine was quick to absolve Ross Wallace of any blame as his goal celebration in front of the North End fans led to a steward being injured. Billy Clarke had put the Seasiders ahead after only 27 seconds but the visitors levelled against their bitter local rivals just before the break through a stunning free kick which earned them a 1-1 draw.

Wallace was booked after he ran to the travelling supporters to celebrate and a steward appeared to get injured after being caught up in the ensuing melee.

Irvine said: "It was a fantastic free-kick and absolutely top class from Ross.

"If we start to take celebration out of the game then it will be a poorer game.

"Ross ran over to our fans but I can't tell from here whether he stepped off the pitch or stayed on the pitch.

"But I certainly don't think that he was jumping over barriers to get to our supporters.

"Our supporters understandably reacted in a very excited way and I believe that a steward got injured, which I'm extremely sorry to hear.

"I hope he's okay but I don't think Ross did an awful lot wrong."