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Blackpool call off Morecambe friendly due to "safety concerns"

Blackpool's pre-season friendly meeting with Morecambe later this month is called off as a result of another planned supporter protest.

Blackpool have seen their pre-season preparations further disrupted by the news that another friendly fixture has been called off.

The Tangerines' meeting against Morecambe later this month will not go ahead due to "safety concerns" surrounding a planned protest.

It comes just days after a clash with Lancaster was abandoned as a result of supporters invading the field of play in protest against chairman Karl Oyston.

A club statement read: "The decision to cancel the game is based on intelligence gathered by Lancashire Constabulary and a subsequent risk assessment, raising safety concerns in light of a planned protest. The level of police resources deemed necessary to stage the friendly fixture left both clubs with no alternative but to come to this agreement.

"The club is extremely disappointed that this decision has had to be taken, disrupting preparation for manager Neil McDonald and his first-team squad ahead of the new season. The club also feels for supporters who planned to attend the match and support the team. For the avoidance of doubt, the club will not stand by and allow the actions of a minority continue to hamper football being played.

"The club will hand out stadium bans to those involved in pitch invasions to date and pursue civil proceedings for damages, as well as further injunctions to include powers of arrest should anybody under the terms of a banning order attempt to enter the stadium."

Blackpool's final Championship fixture of last season was also called off after 48 minutes due to the long-running dispute between fans and the Oyston family.

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Blackpool manager Lee Clark looks dejected during the Sky Bet Championship match against Watford at Vicarage Road on January 24, 2015
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