A Raith Rovers away friendly at Berwick Rangers has been called off because of a potential threat from right wing extremists.
The decision to cancel next Saturday’s game was taken after Northumbria Police received high level intelligence that the fixture was being targeted by a far-right group which was planning to stage demonstrations which could have cause a potential safety issue for fans.
Apologising, Raith chairman Bill Clark said the decision had not been taken lightly and that both teams had wanted the fixture to go ahead.
In a statement on the club’s website, Raith Rovers said that regrettably, its friendly match at Berwick has been cancelled on the advice of Northumbria Police.
With the force advising the safest action was to cancel the match, he said the teams had “reluctantly” done so.
While some fans may be taking a financial hit, having already bought train tickets for the trip to Shielfield Park, he added that given police advice there was no alternative decision possible as the safety of fans came first.
“The club and manager Barry Smith are hoping to arrange an alternative fixture on that day, and any news confirming this will be announced on the club website and official social media channels,” the statement added.
