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WANDERERS have risked further points deductions by calling off tonight’s League One clash against Doncaster Rovers at late notice.
The EFL voiced their displeasure last night, accusing the club’s administrators of announcing the decision to postpone the match without first informing the league or their opponents.
The matter is expected to be discussed today but with a punishment for last season’s cancelled Championship game against Brentford still hanging over the club’s head, the potential for a heavier punishment is now apparent.
Phil Parkinson voiced concerns over the welfare of his youngest players before the weekend’s 5-0 defeat at Tranmere but claimed after the game he had been “hung out to dry” by those who decided the game would go ahead.
It is understood more concerns were voiced by the manager to the league’s acting CEO Debbie Jevans in the last 48 hours, with supporting evidence supplied by the club’s welfare officer, Phil Mason.
The league were unwilling to suspend the game, however, which promoted Wanderers to force the issue and potentially the wrath of an independent disciplinary panel.
“The club has stated it has taken the decision to postpone the game as a result of concerns over the welfare of its young players, given the frequency of fixtures and the impact this would have on their physical and emotional well-being,” an EFL statement said.
“The EFL understands the challenging position the club currently finds itself in whilst negotiations continue over its purchase. However, it would have expected the club to have first interfaced with the EFL, giving it an opportunity to consider the application to postpone, and consulted with the club’s opposition, Doncaster Rovers before making a public announcement.
“The EFL remains acutely aware of the ongoing risks this challenging and complex situation has to the integrity of the competition.”
Joint administrator Paul Appleton explained: “Whilst the possibility of EFL sanctions is obvious, nothing can be allowed to impact on the welfare of such a young group of players. With so many senior players injured or unavailable, the squad has performed heroically and deserves so much credit.
“But after consultation with the club's medical staff as well as both academy and senior football management, it is obvious that to call on them for another match without an adequate break would be detrimental to both their welfare and development which cannot be allowed.”
Wanderers have apologised to supporters who have already bought tickets but advise that they will be valid for the rearranged game.
Those who wish to obtain a refund are requested to contact the Ticket Office in person, or by calling 0844 871 2932 if the supporter paid via credit or debit card. (Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s ‘Access Charge’).
Refunds will only be issued back on the card which was used for the original transaction.
https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/17847276.bolton-risk-points-deductions-calling-off-doncaster-clash/
The EFL voiced their displeasure last night, accusing the club’s administrators of announcing the decision to postpone the match without first informing the league or their opponents.
The matter is expected to be discussed today but with a punishment for last season’s cancelled Championship game against Brentford still hanging over the club’s head, the potential for a heavier punishment is now apparent.
Phil Parkinson voiced concerns over the welfare of his youngest players before the weekend’s 5-0 defeat at Tranmere but claimed after the game he had been “hung out to dry” by those who decided the game would go ahead.
It is understood more concerns were voiced by the manager to the league’s acting CEO Debbie Jevans in the last 48 hours, with supporting evidence supplied by the club’s welfare officer, Phil Mason.
The league were unwilling to suspend the game, however, which promoted Wanderers to force the issue and potentially the wrath of an independent disciplinary panel.
“The club has stated it has taken the decision to postpone the game as a result of concerns over the welfare of its young players, given the frequency of fixtures and the impact this would have on their physical and emotional well-being,” an EFL statement said.
“The EFL understands the challenging position the club currently finds itself in whilst negotiations continue over its purchase. However, it would have expected the club to have first interfaced with the EFL, giving it an opportunity to consider the application to postpone, and consulted with the club’s opposition, Doncaster Rovers before making a public announcement.
“The EFL remains acutely aware of the ongoing risks this challenging and complex situation has to the integrity of the competition.”
Joint administrator Paul Appleton explained: “Whilst the possibility of EFL sanctions is obvious, nothing can be allowed to impact on the welfare of such a young group of players. With so many senior players injured or unavailable, the squad has performed heroically and deserves so much credit.
“But after consultation with the club's medical staff as well as both academy and senior football management, it is obvious that to call on them for another match without an adequate break would be detrimental to both their welfare and development which cannot be allowed.”
Wanderers have apologised to supporters who have already bought tickets but advise that they will be valid for the rearranged game.
Those who wish to obtain a refund are requested to contact the Ticket Office in person, or by calling 0844 871 2932 if the supporter paid via credit or debit card. (Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s ‘Access Charge’).
Refunds will only be issued back on the card which was used for the original transaction.
https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/17847276.bolton-risk-points-deductions-calling-off-doncaster-clash/