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Millwall game stays at 3pm
Millwall game stays at 3pm
Wednesday, 26th Sep 2007 17:32

The home game with Millwall next month will be a Saturday 3pm kick-off, with no travel restrictions on the away supporters.

It was generally expected that there would be some sort of restrictions in place for the game on October 27th, to prevent a repeat of the disturbances outside the South Stand after the game three years ago. On that occasion the exit gates for both sets of fans were opened immediately after the final whistle, and to stop things getting out of hand the gates from the Millwall section were swiftly closed again, with some of their ‘top boys’ still inside the ground. 

On the opening day of the following season, the game was switched to a 12.15 Sunday kick-off and was televised by Sky, while Millwall were told that any fans coming to the game would only get tickets if they arrived on official transport. They refused to accept any tickets on that basis, so the game went ahead with no away fans present. The Police claimed it was necessary to have these restrictions because of ‘intelligence’ about possible trouble, believed to be a possible attack on the Islamic commuminity in Leeds. (The game took place just after if had been discovered that the July 7th. bombers had come from Leeds). 

Last season the clubs didn’t meet, and this time around the game will take place at the traditional football time, after discussions involving Leeds, Millwall and the West Yorkshire Police, and the South-East London club will be allocated 1,500 seats in the South-East corner. Millwall have a membership scheme similar to ours, and there will be no tickets for the away end on sale on the day of the game. Both clubs are appealing for calm, to justify their decision not to put any restrictions on this game.

Chief executive Shaun Harvey told the Yorkshire Evening Post "We felt it was important to keep the game on a Saturday, and with a kick-off time of 3pm, to limit the disruption for our supporters. Most people would probably have expected the game to be moved, but we've spoken to Millwall and the police and we want to make this work. The vast majority of supporters will cause no problems, but we need the minority to co-operate as well. The decision is in the interests of everyone and we need the help of the supporters to make sure the game passes off without any trouble."

And Wall's chief operating officer Andy Ambler added "It is absolutely imperative that both sets of fans ensure the day passes off without incident so future restrictions on travel or changes to kick-off times are not even considered."  

Photo: Action Images



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