A FOOTBALL match between CPD Y Rhyl 1879 and Bangor 1876 has been re-arranged after controversial changes regarding kick-off time and ticket arrangements led to its postponement.
The two sides will meet in the Ardal North West League at the Nantporth stadium in Bangor on Saturday, April 8 (kick-off 12.30pm).
A mass brawl broke out towards the end of the reverse fixture at Rhyl’s Belle Vue ground on October 22, which led to five red cards and a Football Association of Wales (FAW) investigation.
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The kick-off time had been brought forward to 12.30pm on February 18, while Rhyl were told that none of their fans were to be allowed entry at the match, which was due to be played at Bangor’s Treborth stadium on the city’s university grounds.
Following this, the game was then postponed on February 3.
Chas Rowland, general and fixture secretary of the Ardal Northern Leagues, confirmed that Rhyl fans will be allowed to attend the fixture on April 8.
Adam Roche, Rhyl managing director, said: "We as a club are delighted that sense has prevailed and the fixture has been confirmed for April 8.
"On behalf of all of our supporters, we were hugely disappointed for them to find out that Bangor 1876 wanted to seek an advantage and only play in front of their fans and not allow our fans to attend, despite communicating it was North Wales Police’s recommendation (which the police later publicly confirmed it wasn’t their decision).
"What is the point in competitive Welsh football without both sets of supporters?
"As Bangor are the home team and hosts, we are now waiting for confirmation of the finer details, and look forward to two really good teams competing in a well-supported match which may determine who finishes in certain positions in the league at the end of the season."
It means Bangor will not host Rhyl at their usual home ground, but at Nantporth, which was the home of Bangor FC until 2022.
Llandudno FC also currently use Nantporth as its home ground due to pitch issues at their own stadium, Maesdu Park.
Took Wyatt to see #rhylfc and enhance his football education....
— The Ag Recruiter (@ag_recruiter) October 22, 2022
Things escalate quickly in North Wales!! #itfc pic.twitter.com/gZI1VvguD4
Bangor, who won the reverse match between two “phoenix clubs” 2-1, had a late corner kick at Rhyl’s Belle Vue ground when tempers suddenly boiled over.
Rhyl, who lost a league match for the first time since reforming that day, had already had a player and their manager, Gareth Thomas, sent off earlier in the game.
North Wales Police opened an investigation into the matter following the match.
A Bangor 1876 statement read: "We are delighted to be playing such a prestigious match at Nantporth, which we hope will be our home ground from the 2023-24 season onwards.
"Nantporth CIC have said that they are 'delighted to accommodate the important fixture between Bangor and Rhyl and to further enhance the community relationship in the area'.
"In due course, we will be making further announcements about matchday arrangements that will cover matters such as ticketing and segregation.
"We hope that fans of both teams will enjoy attending this much anticipated match."
Rhyl and Bangor are currently first and third respectively in the Ardal North West League.
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