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Archived News from July 2014

BIRMINGHAM FRIENDLY OFF ON POLICE ADVICE
24th July 2014 10:21


Birmingham friendly cancelled
mansfieldtown.net, 18th July 2014

Blues clash cancelled based on police advice.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/birmingham-friendly-cancelled-1767136.aspx#hKt7wXOkiM2UXoqr.99

Tomorrow’s scheduled pre-season friendly with Birmingham City has been cancelled following advice from Nottinghamshire Police.

Following a renewed risk assessment by Nottinghamshire Police last night, safety concerns were raised by the authority and, as a result, the level of police resources deemed necessary to stage the fixture has meant that it is now not financially viable for either club to proceed.

Both clubs are disappointed that this decision was taken at such a late stage.

Supporters wishing to obtain refunds on match tickets that have already been purchased can do so by visiting the main ticket office at One Call Stadium. Refunds will be available from 10.00am on Monday 21 July.

Supporters will be need to be in possession of their match ticket(s). If you paid by debit/credit card, you will also be required to show that. If you paid over the phone and had tickets sent via the post, you will be asked to give the customer reference number that was given to you at the time of purchase.

Mansfield Town F.C. wish to apologise for the inconvenience that the cancellation of this fixture may cause.

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Mansfield Town v Birmingham cancelled on police advice
chad.co.uk, 18/07/2014 10:55

Mansfield Town’s friendly with Birmingham City has been cancelled following advice from Nottinghamshire Police.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/updated-mansfield-town-v-birmingham-cancelled-on-police-advice-1-6736975

The game was due to take place tomorrow at One Call Stadium but has been cancelled following a renewed risk assessment by Nottinghamshire Police last night.

It is understood police chiefs had received word that hooligans were planning to cause trouble at the game and that the level of police resources needed meant the game would not be financially viable for either club.

A Nottinghamshire Police spokesman said: “We have advised Mansfield FC and Birmingham FC about intelligence which could affect public safety.

“This is not in keeping with the ethos of a ‘friendly’, nor appropriate for the family oriented town of Mansfield.

“To go ahead with the game would have resulted in the need for a significant police presence, which would have impacted on local resources.

“As a result, in conjunction with the police, the clubs have made the decision to cancel the pre-season friendly match set to be held on Saturday.”

A Mansfield Town spokesman said both clubs were disappointed that this decision was taken at such a late stage and the club wished to apologise for the inconvenience that the cancellation of this fixture may cause.

Supporters wishing to obtain refunds on match tickets that have already been purchased can do so by visiting the main ticket office at One Call Stadium.

Refunds will be available from 10am on Monday 21st July.

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Mansfield Town v Blues cancelled
bcfc.com, Fri 18 Jul 2014, Author: Andy Walker

Birmingham City regret to inform supporters that tomorrow’s pre-season fixture at Mansfield Town has been cancelled.

http://www.bcfc.com/news/article/20140718-mansfield-town-v-blues-cancelled-1767019.aspx?

Following a renewed risk assessment by Nottinghamshire Police last night, safety concerns were raised by the authority and, as a result, the level of police resources deemed necessary to stage the fixture has meant that it is now not financially viable for either club to proceed.

Both clubs are disappointed that this decision was taken at such a late stage.

Supporters who had already purchased a ticket for the fixture are entitled to a full refund. To gain a refund, supporters either need to present their original ticket/s to the St. Andrew's Ticket Office or post with full contact details and client reference number to: St. Andrew's Ticket Office, St. Andrew's Stadium, Birmingham, B9 4RL.

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Blues game against Mansfield called off
birminghammail.co.uk Jul 18, 2014 10:39, By Colin Tattum

Birmingham City's friendly at Mansfield Town on Saturday has been called OFF.

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-friendly-against-mansfield-7451657?

The decision has been taken after what was described as a 'renewed risk assessment' by Nottinghamshire Police.

Based on intelligence they had gathered, they bumped up the friendly at the One Call Stadium to a Category C fixture, meaning significant extra manpower would be needed.

The increased cost of policing the game was to be passed onto both Blues and League Two Mansfield.

And the clubs agreed that the thousands of pounds they would have to shell out to cover the bill was simply too great.

Blues issued a statement, which read:

"Birmingham City regret to inform supporters that tomorrow’s pre-season fixture at Mansfield Town has been cancelled.

"Following a renewed risk assessment by Nottinghamshire Police last night, safety concerns were raised by the authority and, as a result, the level of police resources deemed necessary to stage the fixture has meant that it is not financially viable for either club to proceed.

"Both clubs are disappointed that this decision was taken at such a late stage."

Fans who have already purchased tickets are entitled to a full refund, the statement added.

Not only will the shock news dismay fans, but it harms Lee Clark's pre-season plans.

Blues do not have another friendly until a week on Saturday, at Kidderminster Harriers.

The Blues boss is now set to stage an in-house practice match, utilising his full squad, instead.

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Latest | July 2014