The Club, in consultation and partnership with the relevant authorities, undertook a risk assessment relating to the proposed home fixture at Treborth against Rhyl 1879 following the unfortunate incidents on the field of play when the initial League fixture was played at Rhyl.

It is the Club’s responsibility to do its utmost to provide a safe and secure environment for those wishing to attend games as spectators or club officials, match officials, and players participating in matches. Whilst Treborth has excellent facilities which has served us well, the football ground is just one element of the complex which has wide open spaces, woodland areas, the athletics track, and the Botanic Gardens, all of which are open to, and used by, the public. When one is seeking to control access to the area surrounding the 3G facility, this poses problems on a regular basis.

As has been shown over the last 24 hours, if it were not known before, the Rhyl match was always expected to generate widespread interest and pose a challenge given that the 3G facility at Treborth was not designed with segregation in mind with the possibility of a large number of away supporters attending and the long and distinguished history enjoyed by clubs in the two localities which they represent.

Taking these factors into account, the Club took its responsibilities extremely seriously and consulted the football authorities, the police, and Bangor University as landlords, owners and guardians of the interest of the wider community in relation to the Treborth estate. Rightly or wrongly, and in partnership, it took the decision that, whilst not without risk, and short of playing a match behind closed doors, the match should take place attended by Bangor supporters only. This did not set a precedent as a similar arrangement was adopted for the first match after the Covid epidemic.

The Club acknowledges that this always was likely to be an unpopular decision and, whilst it stands by the reason behind it, it now welcomes the opportunity to work with other parties to plan for a fixture which will take place in the future, working to find a solution whereby fans of both clubs can attend. In the meantime, Bangor 1876 will now play Llangefni on the 17th February.