Wright slams police ban request

Lincoln City chairman Steff Wright has hit out at Humberside Police's request to ban Imps supporters from the derby match at Grimsby Town on 7 March.

The request, which was rejected by North East Lincolnshire Council, was made after the kick-off time was moved from 1200 GMT to 1500 GMT.

Wright told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "I always felt that the level of policing for this game was out of proportion.

"It causes more trouble than if it had been done in a low-visibility way."

The early kick-off time was based on the known history and circumstances of the two clubs and was intended to minimise risks to public safety

Humberside Police statement

Humberside Police had asked that either away supporters were banned from Blundell Park or the match was played behind closed doors, after negotiations with Grimsby Town over the starting time for the match failed.

In a statement North East Lincolnshire Council said: "The council does have powers under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act to prohibit or restrict the admission of spectators if there is a serious risk to their safety.

"We carefully considered the evidence available but felt that public safety at Blundell Park was not being put at serious risk by a 1500 GMT kick-off rather than a 1200 GMT kick-off."

Humberside Police said: "The early kick-off time was based on the known history and circumstances of the two clubs and was intended to minimise risks to public safety.

"Kick-off times are always open to change and in this case the club has chosen to change the time to 1500 GMT.

"We did not support the change and we still have reservations about whether that is the best way to ensure public safety.

"We respect the council's decision and will now plan to police the match with the new kick-off time."