Stags capacity cut for crunch tie

Mansfield face relegation from the Football League

Mansfield Town has had its capacity cut by 50% for a crucial home match in the League Two relegation battle.

The Stags face bottom club Wrexham at Field Mill at 1945 BST on Tuesday.

The county council said it imposed the reduction after "an interruption in safety management" due to the resignation of chairman James Derry.

Stephen Booth, the club's chief executive, said he was "disappointed" by the decision, which allows a maximum 4,682 fans into the ground.

'Slap in face'

The figure includes a maximum of 995 tickets for away fans.

Mr Booth said: "In my opinion, this is a 'slap in the face' for Les Norman (safety officer) and his team, who have made remarkable strides forward in ensuring that safety standards at Field Mill are amongst the best in the county, if not the whole Football League.

"During my tenure, I have been dedicated in ensuring that the club has a total commitment to all matters relating to health and safety and I am bemused by the suggestion that the change of Safety Certificate Holder could in any way impact on the safety of the general public."

He urged fans to buy their tickets in advance or arrive at the match as early as possible.

'Enthusiasm'

Mansfield mayor Tony Egginton was announced as the club's new non-executive chairman after Mr Derry quit last week.

The council said the decision by the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) would be reviewed in the coming weeks.

Sue Storey, the council's emergency planning manager said: "The SAG was very encouraged by the enthusiasm and commitment that Tony Egginton showed to the future development of safety matters at Mansfield Town Football Club.

"Unfortunately, the reality is that he has not been involved in the day to day management of safety issues at the ground and needs time to adjust to his new role."

The club is currently second from bottom in the Football League with 34 points.

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