Bolton Wanderers' next two home games are in doubt
Supporters have been prohibited from attending Bolton Wanderers' next two home games - against Ipswich Town on Saturday and Middlesbrough on Tuesday - following a Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meeting today that concluded that the club couldn't ensure the safety of its spectators and the public.
The SAG, which includes Bolton Council and the Greater Manchester Police, as well as fire and ambulance services, raised concerns over the football club's ability to look after the fans in attendance. The 'prohibition notice' means Bolton Wanderers are now prevented from allowing fans into matches until they can demonstrate it can safely host them.
However, the English Football League says it still has hopes the games will take place "as planned" and is working with Bolton Wanderers on meeting the club's fixture obligations.
The news comes as Bolton's players and staff are currently on a 48-hour strike after wages weren't paid on time for the second month in a row.
“We recognise that Bolton Wanderers Football Club is at the heart of our community and this is a deeply regrettable situation," a SAG spokesman said.
“We have done everything we can over recent weeks to support the club at this difficult time.
“Every effort has been made to give the club enough time to put adequate matchday operation standards in place, but regrettably the law gives us no alternative but to issue a prohibition notice.
“Safety and security remain our primary concern and while we recognise that spectators may be disappointed, we are not prepared to put the public at risk.”
A spokesman for the EFL said: “Whilst disappointed, the EFL understands the rationale for the position taken by the SAG at this time.
"However, we still hope the fixtures will take place as planned. We will work with the Club and offer them any practical assistance that is available to us in an attempt to find a successful and timely resolution to the issue.”
