Wrexham Evening Leader

Police on alert as derby called off

By KATE LOGAN

28 December 2005

Deva StadiumA MAJOR police operation to prevent violence between Wrexham and Chester football hooligans will still be carried out despite the game being called off this morning.

Just minutes after it was confirmed the derby clash at the Saunders Honda Stadium had been postponed due to a frozen pitch, Cheshire Police announced its high profile operation would still be in full swing.

A large number of officers will still be out in force in Chester today in a bid to avert trouble.

A spokesman said: "We are continuing with a strong police presence in Chester today despite the match being cancelled due to a frozen pitch. The police operation was not just about related to the football, it was more to focus on disorder.

"While we are scaling down the operation, we are still providing a police presence to ensure the streets of Chester are kept safe."

Match referee Scott Mathieson made the decision on the match this morning after he inspected the pitch and believed it was unsafe for play.

It is the latest twist in the long-running saga over the match. Originally scheduled for 7.45pm today, the kick-off was switched to midday because of fears over safety.

Switched

Blues chairman Stephen Vaughan even asked for the game to be switched to Widnes Vikings' Halton Stadium so it could be played at its original time, but the Football League refused the request.

But tickets for the match quickly sold out, with Blues and Wrexham fans rearranging their schedules.

A statement on Chester City Football Club's website read: "Supporters of both clubs will be bitterly disappointed with this and we understand how you feel. Arrangements for the new date will be announced in due course."

Wrexham FC's club secretary Geraint Parry said the team was disappointed the match had been cancelled.

He said: "The referee said the pitch was frozen solid and had no hesitation in calling the game off. When the game could be reorganised for is a matter for the police.

"It's sad for the supporters as it is always a fixture they look forward to, but I'm sure they'll continue to do that for whenever it's rearranged for. We'll just have to curb our frustrations for the moment."