The surrounding streets were the scene of some ugly running battles between rival fans.
Seats were ripped out in the main stand and hurled on to the pitch.
The two clubs will clash again next month at the same stage of the competition, but where is the logic in taking this game to Widnes?
RFL bosses must realise even mention of Warrington's name within Widnes is enough to spark a riot.
Big matches between Warrington and Wigan invariably trigger crowd trouble - rugby league cannot hide behind its proud family image whenever these two meet and the stakes are high.
By taking a semi-final to Widnes, it appears an open invitation to light the blue touch paper and endanger the safety of genuine supporters.
One hopes events off the field will not tarnish this great game's image but if they do, then responsibility lies solely with the RFL for what is a baffling decision.
Surely the Reebok Stadium at Bolton was a far better alternative than the Halton Stadium. Tweet
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I find Mr. Barker's article to be sensationalist, opportunistic, inflammatory and defamatory drivel.
As a Salford fan I am all too familiar with the poor coverage Rugby League is afforded by the Manchester Evening News, but I was shocked by this offering. It has no journalistic merit whatsoever. You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself.
How does this clown Barker hold down a job as a journalist?
This is low-brow, ill-researched drivel of the highest order!
Don't us RL fans deserve better from our local paper?
Some people need to get their heads out of the sand if they think this type of thing doesnt go on in Rugby League.
It's a problem that is on the rise and needs to be stamped out. Until people realise that it is a very real problem then that wont be possible.