Grimsby have cited safety concerns for their decision to pull out of the Errea Southwest Challenge Cup Final against Luton.
The Mariners decided not to play in the game amid fears that manager Mike Newell would come under attack from supporters of his former club, with the Hatters rejecting a request to bring the kick-off time forward to 3pm from its scheduled 6pm.
A statement on Grimsby's website said: "Stewards had been deployed at the Rushden game to keep a keen eye on Luton supporters who were clearly intent on getting at Mike Newell.
"To this extent there became a real concern when it was clear that the Mariners were going to be in Sunday's final against Luton Town."
Grimsby chairman John Fenty added: "We would like to thank the organisers for what has been a well organised tournament; they like ourselves are very disappointed.
"As ever our travelling fans have been excellent and superbly behaved and we are sorry to have let them down by what we believe to be a very responsible and unavoidable decision."
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Absolute rubbish - there was an element of idiots travelling in the guise of lutan supporters who were looking for a confrontation with mike newel. The police were less than helpful and the mariners pulled because in this case the idiots won.
A complete load of tosh this and Grimsby should be completely ashamed blaming another clubs supporters for their complete lack of organisation. they didn't want to play the game purely and simply because they had arranged other friendlies with Scunthorpe and Leeds 24 and 48 hours after. That purely and simply is the reason, and to smear Luton's supporters in this way is out of order.
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