Comment from Town’s Chairman and Chief Executive
Huddersfield Town’s Chairman Dean Hoyle and Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens have commented on today’s game at Blackpool, which was abandoned after 48 minutes with home fans on the pitch.
Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens said:
“We are really disappointed for our players, staff and supporters, including the 250 cyclists who are raising thousands for charity and wanted the season to end on a high.
“Instead, the abandonment has taken the focus away from a really positive end of the season for us. Today’s events stopped us potentially finishing in a higher League position – all through no fault of our own. That is not right.
“We were in contact with the Football League during the game and, at the end, I spoke personally with Football League Chief Executive Shaun Harvey and gave our initial observations on the events.
“It’s clear a thorough investigation needs to be undertaken by the FA and Football League about what happened and how it was handled.
“A decision also needs to be taken about the match itself and the points. There are lots of questions that need answering.
“After the protest, when the abandonment came we were ushered into the Boardroom and locked in as a precaution as home supporters looked to storm towards the Boardroom. This was disconcerting.
“Its public knowledge the Blackpool supporters are extremely upset and there was a pre-match demonstration as we arrived. But for all discontentment to lead to an abandonment is not something any of us would wish to see again.”
Huddersfield Town Chairman Dean Hoyle commented on the Pedal for Pounds 6 cyclists:
“I want to recognise the 250 Pedal for Pounds 6 cyclists who, having ridden 90 miles yesterday, were faced with a late start in difficult conditions because of the events surrounding today’s game.
“Thanks to every one of the cyclists for persevering in very difficult weather conditions in order to raise really important funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Huddersfield Town Academy. Your efforts have not, and will not, be overlooked.”
Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens ended by praising the Huddersfield Town fans in attendance at Bloomfield Road for their behaviour:
“We are proud of our fans for their backing, their patience and how they behaved - they were a credit to the Club.
“It was quite extra-ordinary to witness one set of fans invading the pitch while our fans were singing in praise of Dean Hoyle.
“Our fans have paid their hard-earned cash and have seen only half a game. They are rightly disgruntled and so are we on their behalf. That issue will be raised with the authorities urgently.
“It would be easy to dismiss the impact of the abandonment because it doesn’t affect relegation and promotion, but in my memory it’s unprecedented for a fan protest to lead to the abandonment of a game – and the implications in the longer term need to be seriously considered.
“We will cooperate closely with the authorities as required in the coming days.
“We have witnessed an extraordinary first and last day to the season. Thanks to all our fans for your fantastic support today and throughout the season and best wishes to the heroes raising funds on Pedal for Pounds 6 on their journey home.”
