Goole Vikings have said bomb disposal experts were sent to their Betfred Championship game against Whitehaven after a replica grenade was found next to the pitch.
Kick-off at Victoria Pleasure Grounds was delayed by 80 minutes on Sunday after the immediate area was secured and the scene declared safe.
‘Following routine pre-match safety inspections, carried out as part of the club’s standard matchday operations prior to gates opening to spectators, an unidentified, potentially explosive item was discovered by the club’s ground safety team,’ Goole said in a club statement on Monday.
‘Contrary to some external reports, the item was located away from areas accessible to supporters and staff. However, due to its nature and proximity to a scheduled event, the club immediately activated its established emergency protocols.
‘This process was led by the club’s ground safety officer, in coordination with the matchday stewarding team and board of directors.
‘The immediate area was secured, and Humberside Police, the local authority and the Rugby Football League were contacted without delay.
‘The stadium remained under controlled lockdown until specialist officers from the regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit attended the site to assess the item.
A rugby league game was delayed by 80 minutes after a replica grenade was discovered
‘Following a full assessment, the device was confirmed to be a non-explosive replica grenade and was safely removed, with no further action required.’
Goole said the response from all parties was ‘swift, coordinated and highly professional’ and that ‘disruption was kept to a minimum’.
The club added: ‘The incident demonstrated the effectiveness of the club’s robust safety and operational procedures, ensuring that the welfare of supporters, players, staff and partners remained the absolute priority at all times.
‘While this was an unprecedented incident, the Victoria Pleasure Grounds remains a safe and secure venue.
‘Incidents of this nature are extremely rare, but Sunday’s response reflects the high standards of planning, governance and safety management that underpin matchday operations at the club.’
Whitehaven’s 36-22 win saw them swap places with Goole, who drop to 18th in the Championship.
