Bomb disposal experts called as replica grenade discovery delays rugby league game

The game eventually started 80 minutes late (Getty Images)

The discovery of a replica grenade near Goole Vikings’ pitch delayed their Championship rugby league match against Whitehaven for more than an hour.

Bomb disposal experts were called into action shortly before the intended 3pm kick-off time on Sunday after the suspected grenade was found near the athletics track surrounding the pitch.

Goole Vikings released a statement 30 minutes before kick-off saying the game was to be delayed due to “an incident at the Victoria Pleasure Ground that is currently being handled by the relevant authorities”. The club advised fans not to arrive at the arena before 4pm.

Officers from Humberside Police attended the scene and removed the grenade, which was discovered to be a replica rather than a real one, before play eventually resumed at 4.20pm, 80 minutes later than planned.

Humberside Police said: “A cordon was in place at the time whilst a specialist team were called to examine the item.

“Upon inspection the suspected grenade was found to be a non-explosive replica and was safely removed from the area.”

A statement from Goole Vikings on Monday read: “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.

“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.

“The stadium remained under controlled lockdown until specialist officers from the regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit attended the site to assess the item.

“Following a full assessment, the device was confirmed to be a non-explosive replica grenade and was safely removed, with no further action required.”

The club extended its thanks to the specialists removing the replica, adding: “The response from all parties involved was swift, co-ordinated and highly professional.

“The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to the club management, emergency services and local authority partners for their exceptional management of a highly unusual situation.”

The Vikings lost 36-22 and dropped to 18th in the Championship, with Whitehaven usurping them in 17th.