‘MINDLESS thugs’ have been blamed for spoiling the start of a new era for Chester FC.
The club’s second game since reforming has been called-off following fears of further crowd trouble after violence erupted at a pre-season friendly defeat at Colwyn Bay at the weekend.
Now the game away against Rhyl FC on Saturday has been cancelled after North Wales Police received intelligence that more trouble was expected and could escalate into the town centre.
Chief Superintendent Andy Williams said: “The events at Colwyn Bay on Saturday, July 10, were unacceptable. Police resources from across North Wales were called in to deal with groups of people causing violence both before and during the game.
“I deliberately do not refer to these individuals as ‘football fans' and I recognise that the majority of Chester FC followers are law abiding people who simply want to watch a game.
“However, we are not willing to tolerate a repeat of despicable behaviour by a minority of mindless thugs intent on causing harm to people and property.
"We are proud of a close relationship with the football club and they unreservedly agreed to this request.”
Tasers, batons and police dogs were deployed to control drunken troublemakers at Llanelian Road as Chester FC’s first match was marred by violent scenes.
Trouble flared 15 minutes into the second half after fighting started between Chester fans behind a goal.
Two arrests were made before the match and extra security was deployed during the game.
Chris Pilsbury, Chester FC chairman, said there was not enough time to switch the match to the Deva Stadium
He said: “I’m very sad about the news that North Wales Police have advised Rhyl to cancel Saturday’s planned pre-season friendly, but I’m not really surprised.
“I find it very disappointing that the 15 or so idiots who caused problems at Colwyn Bay last Saturday should disrupt our preparations for the new season.
“This Saturday’s match at Rhyl should have been a friendly, happy day of rejoicing that Chester had a football club, but that has now been damaged by the mindless idiots who caused problems at Colwyn Bay.
“I feel sad for the majority of our supporters, and for Rhyl FC who have been denied a good pay day.
“We will work with the club’s police liaison officer and safety officer to ensure that whoever is responsible for the problems will be banned from any future matches at the Deva Stadium.
“It is vital that any trouble like this never happens again.”
A Rhyl FC spokesman said: “Police intelligence have reports that the same minority of the newly reformed club were planning a similar situation for the match at Belle Vue on Saturday which would likely escalate into the town centre.
“The match has therefore been cancelled for the safety of those who were and were not planning on attending the match. This is an unfortunate circumstance for both clubs and their genuine fans but safety is paramount.”