Morecambe v Blackpool friendly scrapped over protest fears

Pool, who were due to visit the Globe Arena on July 28, saw their friendly with Lancaster City abandoned after 75 minutes on Saturday after 20 visiting supporters staged a pitch invasion in the latest action to voice their frustration at the Oyston family’s running of the club.

Now after talks between the Shrimps, the League 1 side and Lancashire Police the escalating cost of staging the game has led to it being scrapped.

Morecambe, who are looking for a new opponent for the date, said: “Recent intelligence received by both clubs suggests a strong possibility of the match being disrupted by protesting supporters and consequently the clubs have reluctantly agreed to the game’s cancellation.”

Blackpool said: “The decision to cancel the game is based on intelligence gathered by Lancashire Constabulary and a subsequent risk assessment, raising safety concerns in light of a planned protest.

“The level of police resources deemed necessary to stage the friendly fixture left both clubs with no alternative but to come to this agreement.

“The club is extremely disappointed that this decision has had to be taken, disrupting preparation for manager Neil McDonald and his first-team squad ahead of the new season.

“The club also feels for supporters who planned to attend the match and support the team.”

Former Shrimps striker Jack Redshaw had been due to return to the Globe with Blackpool having left the club last week.

Blackpool’s final game of last season with Huddersfield was also abandoned due a mass pitch invasion by supporters as the club were relegated from the Championship.