Marine FC have made their UniBond Premier Division clash with FC United of Manchester an all-ticket affair

Source: Crosby Herald

Feb 26 2009 Crosby Herald

MARINE have finalised a plan of action to ensure their UniBond Premier Division game with FC United of Manchester passes without incident.

The Mariners’ management have taken the step to make the March 28 game all-ticket and, after consultation with Merseyside Police, are segregating opposing supporters.

The game will be limited to a 1,750 capacity with 1,000 tickets allocated to FC fans.

Fears had grown that crowd violence could erupt inside the Arriva Stadium with tensions running high following the previous meeting between the two sides.

Alleged incidents involving ex-Mariner John Lawless outraged United supporters on December 20 and ultimately led to the 26-year-old leaving the Whites.

The fixture also falls on an international weekend and there will be a police presence.

Marine chairman Paul Leary said: “To enable Marine, in conjunction with the authorities, to provide the appropriate resources for the day the only option available to us was to make the match all-ticket especially after considering that there are no Premiership games on the day. It is important that we are able to look after all supporters attending the game and that we plan accordingly and our ongoing discussions and assistance from the officials of FC United of Manchester, Sefton Council and Merseyside Police will help us to do that.”

FC United general manager Andy Walsh added: “Whilst all-ticket games are not always desirable we understand that they are occasionally necessary from a practical point of view. We are happy that Marine has explored all options for the game to go ahead.”

Tickets for Marine fans will be available before the intervening home games and each evening from 6pm at the club from March 1.