Decision to move derby kick-off time forward leads to much confusion
HUMBERSIDE Police have suggested the decision to change the kick-off time for next week’s derby was made by Scunthorpe United. The visit of Grimsby Town to the Sands Venue Stadium on January 23 was moved forward from its scheduled 3pm kick-off to a 1pm start on Monday, with both clubs announcing the change.
In their statements, the Iron and the Mariners both said the change in kick-off had been made “at the request of Humberside Police”.
The decision has left supporters of both clubs confused, with fans unable to attend due to the restrictions around the coronavirus pandemic in place, negating the need for a large police presence as is usually in force on derby day. The meeting between the two sides at Blundell Park in December was left as a 3pm kick-off, further adding to the confusion surrounding next weekend’s game.
And Humberside Police have now suggested the decision to bring the kick-off time forward was actually made by Scunthorpe.
Chief Superintendent Christine Wilson, Gold Commander for Humberside Police, said: “Planning for football matches at our local clubs has been ongoing since the fixtures were released in 2020.
“We work in partnership with the clubs hosting the fixture and the local authorities in those areas, and we have amended our policing plans to accommodate changes in Covid restrictions, and the ability or otherwise of fans to attend matches on a number of occasions. “Since planning started with Scunthorpe United Football Club in 2020, the club made the proposal to change the kick-off time for the match on Saturday 23 January 2021 with Grimsby Town to 1pm.
“We were consulted about this decision at the time and supported it. Having been reviewed a number of occasions, the kick-off time has always remained at 1pm.
“Following a final planning meeting with the club last week, the decision to hold kick off at 1pm was finalised by Scunthorpe United. This was communicated by the club to the EFL and supported by Humberside Police during planning meetings over a number of months.” Grimsby Town chairman Philip Day added: “The decision to change kick off time is a matter for the home club and the police. The away club is not involved in those discussions “Grimsby Town were informed by Scunthorpe United that the kick-off time had been changed as a result of a request from Humberside Police. “Grimsby Town were asked to change the kickoff time for their home match against Scunthorpe United by Humberside Police. Grimsby Town were advised during the discussions with Humberside Police that they had made the same request to Scunthorpe United for the corresponding fixture and Scunthorpe United had agreed.
“Notwithstanding this, Grimsby Town did not agree to a change of kick-off time. Subsequently, Humberside Police took their request to the Safety Advisory Group.
“Grimsby Town continued to oppose the change. As a result of a change of lockdown regulations it was not necessary for the Safety Advisory Group to determine the matter. The kick off remained at 3pm.”