THE game between Didcot Town and Hereford that was abandoned with just minutes to play last month is to be replayed behind closed doors.
Southern South & West champions Hereford had just taken a 2-1 lead in the 86th minute through striker Mike Symons when fans invaded the pitch at Didcot’s Loop Meadow Stadium on March 4.
Video and pictures from the game showed Didcot players clashing with the travelling supporters who entered the playing field before stewards and police got involved.
Two visiting supporters were arrested – one on suspicion of a public order offence, and the other on suspicion of common assault – and were bailed until April.
Didcot defender Sam Elkins was later given a five-game ban by the FA while coach Sam Parish was suspended for four games after both were found guilty of improper and/or Violent Conduct.
The Southern League ruled last week that the game would have to be played again from the start and with passions running high, and the potential of more trouble at the rearranged fixture, both clubs have agreed to play behind closed doors.
No fans will be admitted to the Loop Meadow Stadium when Hereford visit again on Tuesday, April 11 following both clubs’ consultations with Thames Valley Police.
A Didcot statement read: “Following The Southern League’s decision to replay our abandoned game against Hereford FC, we can confirm the game will take place behind closed doors on Tuesday 11th April.
“The club’s committee met last night to discuss the fixture and following discussions with Thames Valley Police, both clubs made the request to the league to play the game behind closed doors which has been agreed.”
A Hereford statement, meanwhile, added: “Following consultation with Thames Valley Police, both Hereford FC and Didcot Town submitted a request this morning to the Southern League that the match ordered to be replayed should take place behind closed doors.
“Following the agreement of the League the match will take place on Tuesday, April 11th and no paying spectators will be allowed admission.”
