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FA U-turns on 'humiliating' cup final pitch switch
TL;DR
The North Riding FA reversed its decision to move the women's cup final from the Riverside Stadium to a smaller venue after complaints from Thornaby Women, who called the change 'humiliating.' The final will now be held at the original professional stadium.
Key points
- North Riding FA reversed its decision on cup final venue
- Final was moved from Riverside Stadium to Northallerton FC
- Thornaby Women called the venue change 'humiliating'
- Complaint was filed on April 14
- Final will now be held at Riverside Stadium
Mentioned in this story
Riverside StadiumNorthallerton FC
North Riding FAThornaby WomenYork City Ladies
The North Riding Women's Cup Final had been moved to Northallerton FC's ground [Sam Kirkup]
A county football association has U-turned on a decision to move a women's cup final match from a professional stadium to a small grassroots pitch.
The North Riding FA said it moved the North Riding Cup Final between Thornaby Women and York City Ladies away from the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough to Northallerton's ground, due to availability issues.
Thornaby sent a complaint about the changed location to the local FA on 14 April, stating it was "humiliating" for female players, but did not receive a response until Tuesday.
A spokesperson for North Riding FA said it was "delighted" the match would now go ahead at the Riverside Stadium on Sunday.
A spokesperson for Thornaby said the club was pleased players would get the chance to play at the Riverside but said "it should never have got to this point".
For the past couple of years, the men's and women's North Riding Senior Cup final has been held at the Riverside Stadium.
The men's final this year was held there, with Yarm and Eaglescliffe playing Boro Rangers on 29 April.
Curtis Collantine has managed Thornaby since January and they have been on a 16-game winning streak, earning promotion to the National League.
He said he thought the initial decision to move the game was "an example of the game regressing" and highlighted the "colossal differences" between the two pitches.
Q&A
Why did the North Riding FA move the women's cup final?
The North Riding FA moved the final due to availability issues at the Riverside Stadium.
What was Thornaby Women's reaction to the venue change?
Thornaby Women complained to the local FA, stating that the move was 'humiliating' for female players.
Where will the North Riding Women's Cup Final be held now?
The North Riding Women's Cup Final will now be held at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough.
When did Thornaby Women file their complaint about the venue change?
Thornaby Women filed their complaint on April 14.