Bolton Wanderers supporters discussed concerns from themsleves and Oldham Athletic counterparts with chief executive Neil Hart to voice their opinions before the pre-season friendly was called off.
Wanderers were due to head to Boundary Park on Tuesday, 12 July, for a 7.45pm start to face John Sheridan’s side which is gearing up for a first season in the National League. It was due to be in the middle of Bolton's League One 2022/23 campaign preparations.
The Latics were relegated from the EFL for the first time in their history this campaign. It followed a home defeat in April to Salford City which was completed behind closed doors after supporters protested on the pitch against the club's owners.
READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers cancel Oldham Athletic pre-season friendly and outline reason for decision
And the game has been called off this afternoon, Wanderers have announced. The decision has been taken in light of the reaction of some supporters to the game taking place, which was clear on social media and opposed it going ahead, and alternative arrangements will now be made.
Two more friendlies have been announced, with Wanderers to send a side to take on Atherton Collieries in a traditional pre-season outing on Wednesday, July 13, with a 7.30pm kick-off. Wanderers will also travel to Bamber Bridge on Tuesday, July 19, for a 7.30pm kick-off.
Supporters' groups following both Wanderers and the Latics have both taken to Twitter to issue statements following the decision to cancel the pre-season friendly at Boundary Park. The Bolton Wanderers Supporters' Trust (BWFCST) held a meeting recently to voice concerns from both sets of fans to Whites chief executive Hart and are delighted their views have been considered.
A statement read: "Bolton Wanderers Supporters' Trust did raise this very subject in a meeting with Neil Hart last week when the opposition to this fixture from both sets of fans was discussed. Great to see opinions of fans being taken into consideration."
Push The Boundary, an independent supporters group for the Latics which had previously encouraged fans of both clubs not to attend the fixture, echoed what their counterparts in the BWFCST have said. They believe the correct decision has been taken.
A statement read: "We have campaigned for this behind the scenes and it’s great to know that the opinions of BOTH sets of supporters has been taken into consideration, and that the right decision has been made.
"Thank you to all parties involved. Again, fans have a MASSIVE part to play."
