Barnes blasts security steps

‘It was totally over the top for a game of cricket and the wrong move’ — Barnes

Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League by Kevin Richardson.

HEYSIDE captain Mark Barnes has labelled the security measures at this year’s Tanner Cup final as “diabolical and embarrassing”.

The match against Bamford Fieldhouse was postponed because of rain — it will be replayed on Sunday weather permitting — but a large number of spectators had already arrived at the ground before the decision was taken.

They were greeted by police, who were asked to attend by the Saddleworth and District Cricket League, and several security guards employed by the host club.

Barnes said: “Did we really need police and security for the Tanner Cup final? It was totally over the top for a game of cricket and the wrong move.

“I’ve never seen anything like that before and I can’t understand why they were here.

“It was diabolical and embarrassing. It isn’t as though we were Millwall playing Latics at Boundary Park.

“Yes, our fans are boisterous but nothing more than that. In fact, I think clubs are envious of our support.

“There were women with babies in pushchairs, children and people in fancy dress who were out to have a good time.”

Heyside also claimed they were segregated in to one area of the ground and were unhappy that they were not allowed to pass in front of the conservatory.

But Bamford say the measures were put in place to make the afternoon run as smoothly as possible.

Bamford committee member Martin Wolfenden said: “We wanted everybody to enjoy the occasion.

“The club worked hard for this day. We didn’t have to provide extra toilet facilities or put four gazebos up around the ground just in case it rained.

“The conservatory was set aside for sponsors. That’s why the area in front of it was cordoned off .

“We didn’t want to keep telling people to move on because they were in the way.

“The main bar was open to everyone and we even sited another bar near the scorebox at the top of the ground.”

Trevor Harrison, the Saddleworth League secretary, said the decision to ask for a police presence was in anticipation of a large crowd and to avoid any unwelcome incidents.

He went on: “We were aware of the recent incident at the Worsley Cup final between Todmorden and Accrington, and the fact that police were in attendance at the Wood Cup final played at Werneth.

“There was also what has been described as unsavoury language and intimidating atmosphere involving some Heyside supporters at the recent Moore Cup final between Heyside seconds and Uppermill.

“This resulted in some people, particularly those with families, leaving the ground early and complaints being received by the league.

“The decision in no way casts a reflection on any Heyside players who so far as I am concerned have always behaved impeccably on the field and also the large majority of Heyside supporters.

“The league just wanted an incident-free afternoon, that was enjoyable for all players, officials and spectators.”

But Barnes hit back, saying: “The crux of the incident at Todmorden was the years of rivalry between the two teams which spilled over.

“I don’t see any similarities here.”