Bangor-Rhyl football derby planned for February 18 now postponed

The Bangor 1876 v CPD Y Rhyl 1879 match scheduled for Saturday, February 18, has now been postponed.

Yesterday, it was announced that Rhyl fans would not be allowed to attend the Ardal North West League game at Treborth due to segregation issues at the Bangor University facility.

A risk assessment was taken by the home club following a stormy clash between the two sides at Belle Vue last October, which featured seven sendings-off on the day and six further bans for Rhyl players following further investigations two months later.

Following communications with both clubs, the Ardal Northern League has now revealed Bangor 1876 will instead play Llangefni Town at home on Friday, February 17.

A decision on when the 1876 v 1879 game will take place will be made following talks between the league and other interested parties.

Bangor 1876 released the following statement earlier today.

“The Club wishes to clarify the situation regarding the now postponed match between Bangor 1876 and CPD Y Rhyl 1879,” it said.

“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 have 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.”

A statement from the Ardal Northern League said: “Having now received communications from both clubs, the league needs to consider all options and seek advice.”Until then, the league will not be making any decision relating to the game.”

Rhyl 1879, who vowed to strongly oppose any ban on their fans, say they will now await further communication and in the meantime are seeking a friendly on what has become an open date.