Holleran critical of Rugby’s handling of cup call-off

Leamington were leading courtesy of a James Husband goal when the floodlights dimmed at Butlin Road and, after a 15-minute delay, the referee finally decided to call a halt to proceedings.

The decision caused frustration among players and fans, while further disrupting Brakes’ stop-start league campaign, with the rearranged tie now set to replace the Southern League Premier fixture against Barwell on October 30.

Holleran was quick to question the reasoning behind the abandonment, believing financial as well as safety issues to have been a factor.

“Twenty five per cent of the lights went out, but we were playing at a Southern League ground the other week and the lights at 75 per cent were still better at Rugby,” said Holleran.

“I’m not sure what Rugby’s agenda was.

“I know that once you’ve played 75 minutes you’re entitled to keep the gate receipts and that puts doubts in people’s minds.

“And once Health & Safety rules are brought in, the referee is put in a difficult position.

“But we could easily have seen the game out as it’s not as if we were in darkness.”

Holleran was also annoyed with the way fans were kept in the dark, with a lack of communication leaving supporters initially unaware the tie had been abandoned.

“It was disappointing the way the Rugby and Leamington fans were dealt with.

“Fifteen minutes after we had gone off I had to try and find someone to make an announcement.

“The fans were poorly treated and it seems once again that the powers that be don’t recognise that the most important people are the supporters.

“I hope they throw the gates open for free for the rearranged game and encourage people to come.

“If they don’t, the Leamington fans should just stay at home and put their feet up.”

Holleran’s calls have fallen on deaf ears, however, with Rugby announcing that admission to the rearranged tie will be £4 for adults, a reduction of 50 per cent.

The new price was arranged after discussions with Leamington chairman Jim Scott and Rugby Town secretary Neil Melvin said he hoped it would go some way to appeasing frustrated supporters.

Blaming the floodlight failure on a sub-station surge which blew a giant fuse, he said the subsequent lack of information was caused by the loss of the tannoy system.

“It was totally out of our control and ultimately it was the referee who made the decision [to call off the game],” said Melvin.

“He felt it was too dark near the stand.

“But I would like to apologise to any fans who didn’t know what was going on.

“It was a bit unfortunate as the tannoy was down and the bar was down.

“Plus, we rely a lot on volunteers and we were a bit thin on the ground.

“I was on the phone to the electricity board and by the time I got back out, the referee had taken the players off the pitch.”

Melvin also disputed claims that Rugby will make money from the rearranged fixture, pointing to a similar occurrence against Daventry last season as an a example.

“I think we lost money against Daventry,” he said. “We certainly won’t be making any money as all the same costs will be there, while I am sure there will be a few Leamington fans who decide not to travel this time.

“It’s not ideal. In fact I wouldn’t have minded handing Leamington the game. It’s not a competition we’re interetsted in and we could have done without the extra game.”

Brakes, who are without a fixture tomorrow due to Gosport Borough’s participation in the FA Cup, travel to Alvechurch for a Birmingham Senior Cup first round match on Tuesday night.

The Gosport match has been rearranged for Tuesday November 27.