ROCK BOTTOM AT BLACKPOOL
BLACKPOOL’S season went from forlorn to farcical within 48 minutes of their final Championship game of the season – and boss Lee Clark admits the abandonment against Huddersfield compounded a horrendous campaign.
The already-relegated Seasiders have suffered a miserable ten months and went into the game hoping to avoid setting a new record low points total.
Stockport hold the dubious honour for fewest second-tier points since the 1988 expansion to 24 sides, with 26 in 2002, but matters off the pitch dominated proceedings at Bloomfield Road.
The protesters had reportedly planned to meet at the statue of ex-player Stan Mortensen – on the 62nd anniversary of his FA Cup final hat-trick of 1953 – but the club had temporarily removed it.
However, Blackpool supporters still remonstrated outside the stadium before kick-off, with chants continuing throughout the match.
That ill-feeling boiled over in the 48th minute when hundreds of home fans took to the pitch and unveiled banners against chairman Karl Oyston and owner Owen Oyston’s running of the club.
Some flares were released and the scene soon became farcical when one fan on a mobility scooter entered the fray, while others broke out in a conga line.
It resulted in over an hour delay before referee Mick Russell abandoned the game with the scores level at 0-0, and a downbeat Clark admitted it was a dark day for the club.
“It’s just compounded an absolutely horrendous season,” Clark said.
“I love football and the industry. I’ve been in it since I left school and I never wanted to be involved in something like this.
“I’m a football supporter myself first and foremost so I have the feelings of a supporter as well so I would never criticise them.
“Since I walked in the door it’s been a very toxic atmosphere and you can’t be successful under those circumstances. There was no pre-season and the players were signed very, very late. It’s just escalated and it’s awful.
“We’ve got to try and rebuild the squad and the club but convincing players to come here is a challenge. Players want a happy environment. It’s a game that should be loved and enjoyed.”
It remains unclear what happens next, with the prospect of the game being replayed still a possibility.
A Football League spokesman said: “Following the abandonment of the match at Bloomfield Road, it will be for the Football Association to consider any matters relating to crowd behaviour with the Football League ruling on whether or not the match should be replayed.”
Of the limited action that did unfold, Huddersfield were the dominant side and it was the two keepers who stood out.
Elliot Parish made a fine double save on 20 minutes, first denying Joe Lolley one-on one before flinging himself at the feet of Ishmael Miller 12 yards out.
At the other end, Peter Clarke struck from 30 yards, but Alex Smithies superbly tipped around the post.
Huddersfield manager Chris Powell says his players may not be available for a potential replay.
“There’s talk of replaying it but half my team go away on Tuesday so I really don’t know what is going to happen,” Powell said.
“I feel sorry for our fans. I’m sure some will have come last night and paid for accommodation. What happened is something that I’ve never seen before. In the end they couldn’t guarantee our safety.”