Town support West Yorkshire Police as they seek a move back to an early Saturday KO
Huddersfield Town’s npower Championship home fixture derby against Leeds United has been rescheduled after West Yorkshire Police changed its opinion on the policing of a Friday night kick-off.
The game was selected for live Sky TV coverage and as a result was moved from Saturday 1 December - with the consent of West Yorkshire Police – to Friday 30 November, 7.45pm kick-off.
However, following the much-publicised and widespread disorder at their recent game at Sheffield Wednesday (click HERE) the stance of West Yorkshire Police has changed. The game will now be moved back to the original Saturday 1 December with kick-off at 12.30pm.
Huddersfield Town Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens explained:
“On 24 October we received a letter from the Assistant Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police informing the Club that following events at the game between Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United on 19 October, the force conducted a further ‘threat assessment’ and came to the conclusion that the ‘threat of disorder’ at our Friday evening game had now ‘substantially increased’.
“As a result, WYP requested the game to return to the original date of Saturday 1 December with a 12.30pm kick-off. We immediately informed the Football League and a meeting of the Safety Advisory Group was held to consider the request.
“Obviously the safety of supporters is paramount to Huddersfield Town and we have to be led by the decision of West Yorkshire Police on this matter.
"It was clear there would be serious ramifications arising from the disorder and so this does not come as a surprise. Unfortunately his actions have now affected the wider game and our Club. The game will no longer be televised by Sky TV and that will cost Huddersfield Town £80,000.
"However the finances are clearly a side issue - the safety of supporters and the wider community must always be the first priority and always take precedent. Whilst disappointing, this is a sensible and unavoidable decision in the current climate.
“When the game takes place it will be an opportunity for both sets of fans to show how real football fans behave and for everyone to make headlines for the right reasons.”
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Milsom of West Yorkshire Police, said:
"The number one priority for West Yorkshire Police at all football games is the safety of everyone concerned.
"We want to ensure that all matches are safe and enjoyable for all supporters and I would like to thank the football club to agreeing to our request.
"I would also apologise to anyone inconvenienced by this decision but stress again that it was in the best interests of everyone going to the football match."
Any supporters that have bought tickets for the game but can now not attend can call the Ticket Office on 01484 484123 for a full refund, but tickets already purchased can be used for the rearranged game.
