CELTIC TO FIGHT WASTED TRIPS
FARSLEY CELTIC chairman Paul Barthorpe has assured fans that the football hierarchy will be “pushing for acceptable answers” following his side’s wasted 380-mile round trip to face Barnet this week.
Barthorpe was forced to speak out after Celtic’s FA Trophy second round replay was postponed just moments before its 7.45pm scheduled start due to a frozen goalmouth at The Hive.
Barnet were quick to apologise to the travelling fans and have offered them all free entry to this Tuesday night’s rearranged game.
The late postponement has led to calls for FA Trophy replays to be scrapped with Bath City and Concord Rangers’ game also falling victim to the weather.
Either way, Barthorpe accepts such situations should not be allowed to happen again.
He said: “On behalf of the club, I can only express our frustration and disappointment at the events that have unfolded tonight. As a semi-professional club we rely on games being played and fixtures being fulfilled as the life blood of our existence.
“Our players, staff and supporters, many of whom are self-employed, have had to take days off work for a long midweek away game, sacrificing personal income for their dedication in representing Farsley, and for that, as a club, we are and always will be, truly grateful.
“We will once again have to ask them to make this sacrifice but I can assure our fans, players and all involved, that we will be seriously looking into tonight’s events and pushing for acceptable answers.
“We shouldn’t have to ask or expect anyone involved with our club, in any capacity, to make such unnecessary and avoidable sacrifices to do something they love!
“Putting aside the significant financial implications for us as a club, and the individuals involved, this isn’t what football is all about. Football is and always has been about just playing the game, and win, lose or draw, we share it with our fans week in and week out.”
A Barnet statement read: “The club would like to once again apologise for the disappointment caused by the late postponement of last night’s fixture and the inconvenience it has caused our supporters and those who travelled down from Farsley Celtic.
“As a gesture of goodwill to our visitors, we will be offering all Farsley Celtic supporters free entry to the rearranged tie.
“Alternatively, refunds can be claimed by contacting tellus@thehivelondon.com where we will process your refund in seven working days.”