POLICE in Bolton have responded to criticism of their decision to advise the cancellation of Wanderers' friendly with Rangers at the Reebok on Tuesday with the following statement:

Chief Supt Dave Lea, divisional commander for Bolton, said: "There has been some speculation as to the reasons behind the public safety concerns that led to the decision of Greater Manchester Police not to provide policing services at the match between Bolton Wanderers and Glasgow Rangers on Tuesday 25 July.

"The agreed ticket allocation for Glasgow Rangers was 5,000. However, the club subsequently provided information that Bolton Wanderers should expect 12,000 fans to turn up for this event.

"A review of intelligence surrounding the event indicated that these numbers may be further swelled by holidaymakers from the Glasgow region attending Bolton on the day from Blackpool.

"Information provided by Glasgow Rangers indicated that in excess of 120 coach parties would be attending, which were not capable of being received at the Reebok stadium. A normal full Premiership fixture would attract no more than 17 coaches.

"Given the uncertainty around accurate numbers of supporters attending, and the probability of many thousands of fans without tickets descending upon Bolton, it was not possible to further plan for this event within the margins of public safety that we normally employ.

"Greater Manchester Police is highly experienced in policing football, having some of the largest teams in the country and the world based here, and our expertise in policing such events safely is outstanding. It is in this context therefore that this decision not to provide policing services was made."