Football match date switched to prevent hooliganism

Lewes FC was due to play Newport County tomorrow (Saturday) at 3pm.

But the game has been switched to Sunday at noon as a result of crowd trouble and an alleged racist incident at previous matches between the two teams.

Sussex Police originally wanted the fixture to be played during the week to cut the number of away fans but following talks with the Blue Square Conference South Football League it was agreed to play on Sunday.

Two seasons ago trouble erupted when the Welsh team visited the Dripping Pan and last season Lewes FC made an official complaint about an alleged racist incident on the pitch.

PC Darren Balkham, football liason officer for Sussex police, said: 'We have made the decision for two reasons, to reduce the risk of trouble at the game, and to reduce the number of officers required and save taxpayer's money.

'In the past we have had to use police resources from elsewhere to police the game.

'At one game around 40 officers were taken from a Brighton and Hove Albion game.'

PC Balkham said there had been problems with crowd control and confrontations between both sets of fans.

He said a lot of the problems were caused by drunken behaviour. Strict alcohol controls would be in place at the ground and the early kick off would ensure fans would be at the ground at midday and not drinking in Lewes.

An investigation found there was no evidence of the alleged racist incident and both clubs said they would not tolerate racial remarks from players or supporters.

Newport County has issued a joint statement with Lewes FC to say 'despite problems in the past' the clubs were working together.

However, on Tuesday the Newport County website revealed: 'If our supporters are not welcome then neither is our club.

'As a consequence Newport County AFC will not be represented by its chairman and board of directors at the fixture and there will be no

official presence in the boardroom.

'Some supporters have made a personal decision not to fraternise the Lewes clubhouse nor its catering services to deprive their hosts of their spending power as the biggest club following in the league.'

In the response to this criticism a spokesman for Lewes FC: 'We would not want to comment.

'We hope that the game goes ahead without incident and is played in good will.'