A FOOTBALL match between CPD Y Rhyl 1879 and Bangor 1876 has been postponed less than a day after controversial changes were made to its kick-off time and ticket arrangements.

Yesterday (February 2), Rhyl said the club was informed by the Ardal North West League, in which the two clubs compete, that tickets will only be available to Bangor fans for the match.

The kick-off time for the match, to be held at played at Bangor’s Treborth stadium on the city’s university grounds, was moved to 12.30pm on Saturday, February 18.

But after Rhyl saying that these moves “disappointed” and “angered” the club, the match has been delayed indefinitely, with Bangor now facing Llangefni a day earlier.

It follows a mass brawl towards the end of the reverse fixture between the two sides at Rhyl’s Belle Vue ground on October 22, which led to five red cards and a Football Association of Wales (FAW) investigation.

A statement from Rhyl said: “The league have communicated that, in order to give the league time to consider all options, the Bangor 1876 vs Rhyl fixture, scheduled for February 18, is postponed.

“Bangor will now play Llangefni on Friday, February 17; Rhyl will be without a game.”

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Bangor 1876 added that it undertook a risk assessment with the relevant authorities in light of the events during the October fixture.

The club said: "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 has 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 February 17."

It was also revealed yesterday that no alcohol was planned to be allowed on site at the match, while there were to be enhanced stewarding and security checks.

Bangor won the October clash between the two “phoenix clubs” 2-1, and had a late corner kick when tempers suddenly boiled over.

As a result, three red cards were shown to Rhyl players and two to Bangor.

Rhyl had already had another 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 North Wales Police spokesperson added: "North Wales Police would not take any decision, or unilaterally suggest that any club’s fans should be excluded from a fixture, and it would be the responsibility of both clubs involved to make any such decision.

"We would then provide the appropriate support and advice, and subsequently police the fixture based upon the prevailing circumstances, deciding if any police involvement was required."

Rhyl and Bangor are currently first and second in the league respectively, with Rhyl holding a three-point lead but having played three matches more than Bangor, who are unbeaten.

Attempts have been made to contact the Ardal North West League for further comment.