Rhyl 1879 vow to fight decision to ban their fans from Bangor 1876 game on February 18

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 fans have been banned from attending this month’s Ardal North West match at Bangor 1876.

And the date of the game has been changed from the evening of Friday, February 17, to Saturday, February 18, with a 12.30 pm kick-off.

Only Bangor fans will be allowed into Treborth. Rhyl has vowed they will not take the decision lying down.

The new arrangements follow October’s stormy first-ever clash between the teams at Belle Vue, Rhyl, where six players and the home side’s manager were sent off.

Five were dismissed after the final whistle when fighting broke out between players. Further lengthy bans were imposed on six Rhyl players two months later after an FAW investigation.

Ahead of this weekend’s fixtures, 1879 and 1876 are first and second respectively in the tier 3 Ardal North West. This month’s return tussle could prove vital in the title race.

Bangor 1876 released the following statement today: “Our upcoming fixture against Rhyl will now take place at 12.30 pm on Saturday 18 February instead of the previous evening.

“Following consultation with the League, North Wales Police, and the university, it has also been decided that the game will be all-ticket. Due to segregation issues at Treborth, tickets will only be available to Bangor 1876 supporters.

“Bangor 1876 season ticket holders will be able to attend by showing their season ticket at the gate. Bangor 1876 supporters who are not season ticket holders will need to purchase tickets in advance and arrangements for this will be announced early next week.”

The news has not gone down well with Rhyl 1879, who commented on social media: “We are hugely disappointed and angered that NO Rhyl fans will be allowed to watch and enjoy one of the most important games of the season, but unlimited Bangor fans will.

“We will always raise and challenge discrimination, especially when it involves our loyal supporters.”

Rhyl officials and fans also took to social media to voice their disapproval.

Managing director Adam Roche said: “Ironic when it was Bangor’s fans who invaded the pitch at Rhyl. Wrong decision on all fronts and can’t see any common sense applied when any number of “Bangor fans” can attend.”

Ricky Roberts added: “Both sets of fans were well behaved last game – it’s the players who were the disgrace.”

Long-time supporter James Curran said: “Every time @NoelMooney13 claims Welsh football is moving forward the people employed by him come up with idiotic decisions like this. Move it to the old ground or behind closed doors if the hosts can’t safely hold a game. Lack of a statement from @ArdalNorthern not surprising.”

FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said he was not aware of the decision. He posted on Twitter after 11 pm this evening: “Hello. I wasn’t aware of this to be honest so let’s discuss and see how to progress this if poss.”

WHAT HAPPENED ON OCTOBER 22, 2022

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 and Bangor 1876 met for the first time ever in October.

Derbies had previously taken place over numerous decades involving Bangor City and Rhyl FC, two of Wales’ most successful clubs.

However, Rhyl FC folded in 2020 and CPD Y Rhyl 1879 was formed as a new venture aimed at keeping high-level football alive in the town.

Bangor City resigned from the tier 2 JD Cymru North last year after a traumatic period in the club’s proud history. It appears to no longer exist.

Bangor 1876 was formed in 2019 as a breakaway club in order to protect the future of football in the city,

October’s derby was won 2-1 by 1876, the visitors condemning 1879 to their first-ever league defeat.

Rhyl had Miles Todd sent off in the second half and manager Gareth Thomas was ordered from the bench for alleged dissent.

Things exploded in added time when a Rhyl side frantically chasing an equaliser were awarded a corner.

Fights broke out among players, punches were thrown and after blowing the final whistle, referee Gareth Webb sent off Alex Jones, Jack Higgins and Aaron White of Rhyl, plus Bangor’s Tom Clarke and Corey Jones.

Todd, White, Higgins and Jones were suspended for three matches, while 1879 manager Thomas picked up a two-game ban.

1876 players Jones and Clarke also received a three-match suspension.

The match was subject to a police and FAW investigation and it emerged in December six more bans had been dished out to Rhyl 1879 players.

Alex Jones, who had already served a three-game ban, was suspended for a further six matches.

Suspended for five games were Leon Atkins and Jordan Worthington, while banned for four matches were James Jones, Casey Faulkner and Elliott Evans.