Welling United v Potters Bar Town Match Postponed After Manager Sammy Moore Injured in Altercation

The Isthmian League fixture between Welling United and Potters Bar Town was postponed on Saturday after an alleged altercation at the ground left Potters Bar manager Sammy Moore requiring medical treatment. The decision to call off the match was taken less than 40 minutes before the scheduled 15:00 GMT kick-off at Park View Road, creating an unusual and serious pre-match scenario that quickly drew the involvement of the Metropolitan Police, league officials and the Football Association.

Both clubs issued brief statements confirming the postponement, with Potters Bar Town stating that Moore was receiving appropriate medical care and that the club was offering its full support. Welling United also confirmed that the match would not go ahead and indicated that no further comment would be made while investigations were ongoing. Police later confirmed that one man had been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm following reports of an altercation between two men at the stadium.

The incident cast a shadow over what was due to be an important league fixture between two sides struggling near the bottom of the Isthmian League table. Beyond the immediate impact on the matchday, the situation has prompted wider discussion about safety, conduct and procedures at non-league football grounds, particularly in the moments before fixtures when players, staff and officials are present but competitive action has not yet begun.

Incident at Park View Road leads to police involvement

According to the Metropolitan Police, officers were called to Welling Football Club at 13:18 GMT following reports of an altercation between two men at Park View Road. When police arrived, they found a 38-year-old man with facial injuries. A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and remained in custody at the time of the police statement.

While police did not publicly identify those involved, Potters Bar Town confirmed that the injured individual was their manager, Sammy Moore. In a statement released shortly after the postponement, the club said Moore was receiving appropriate medical care and that he was being fully supported by the club. They added that the incident involved a member of their management team and that, following police attendance, the match was unable to proceed.

The referee’s decision to postpone the game came after consultation with relevant bodies once it became clear that the incident was serious and subject to police investigation. Welling United later confirmed that it was alleged an incident occurred prior to kick-off that resulted in police being called and that, following this and subsequent discussions, the referee took the decision to call the match off.

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Both clubs adopted a cautious tone in their communications, repeatedly stressing that the matter was now part of an ongoing investigation. Welling United stated that they would be making no further comment at this time, while Potters Bar Town said the issue had been referred to the league and the FA and that they were seeking formal advice. The clubs’ restraint reflects the sensitivity of the situation and the need to avoid speculation while official processes are under way.

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The presence of police at a football ground before a match, particularly at non-league level, is relatively uncommon and underscores the seriousness of the alleged incident. For supporters who had travelled expecting a routine Saturday afternoon fixture, the postponement was unexpected, but both clubs thanked fans for their understanding in light of the circumstances.

Club and league responses amid ongoing investigation

In the hours following the postponement, statements from the clubs and league authorities focused on procedure rather than detail. Potters Bar Town emphasised that their priority was the wellbeing of their manager and that they would not be commenting further while investigations continued. The club made clear that the matter had been referred to the relevant authorities, including the Isthmian League and the Football Association.

Welling United’s response followed a similar pattern. Initially announcing that the fixture had been postponed with no further comment, the club later issued a Sunday statement outlining the basic sequence of events without assigning blame or providing specifics. They reiterated that the referee’s decision was made after consulting with the relevant bodies and that, due to the ongoing investigation, they would not be elaborating further.

The Isthmian League also confirmed awareness of the situation. League chair Nick Robinson told BBC Sport that the league was awaiting written reports of the alleged incident and that it would not comment further at this time. Such reports are a standard part of the process following abandoned or postponed matches, particularly where disciplinary or safeguarding issues may arise.

BBC Sport also understands that the Football Association is looking into the incident. The FA’s involvement typically centres on regulatory and disciplinary considerations, including whether any breaches of conduct rules occurred and what, if any, sanctions or guidance may be appropriate. At this stage, no conclusions have been announced, and any decisions will depend on the outcome of police inquiries and the review of official reports.

The measured and procedural tone adopted by all parties highlights the layered governance structure within English football, even at the seventh tier. Clubs, leagues and the FA each have distinct roles, and coordination between them becomes especially important when incidents move beyond the sporting context into potential criminal investigation.

For non-league clubs, which often operate with limited resources and rely heavily on volunteers and close-knit communities, such incidents can be particularly challenging. Balancing transparency with legal and procedural obligations requires care, and the approach taken in this case reflects an emphasis on due process and the protection of individuals involved.

Impact on the fixture and wider non-league context

The postponement of the Welling United v Potters Bar Town match also has practical implications for both clubs’ seasons. The Isthmian League is the seventh tier of English football, and both teams are currently positioned near the bottom of the table. Potters Bar Town sit bottom, while Welling United are two places above them in 20th. For sides fighting to improve their league position, any disruption to fixtures can have knock-on effects on momentum, scheduling and player availability.

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A rearranged date for the fixture will be communicated in due course, according to Welling United. Finding suitable dates later in the season can be difficult, particularly as fixture congestion increases and cup commitments or weather-related postponements come into play. Clubs must also consider player welfare and preparation, especially when a postponed match follows an emotionally charged incident.

Beyond the immediate logistics, the situation draws attention to the broader environment of non-league football. These levels of the game are often praised for their accessibility, community spirit and close interaction between players, staff and supporters. However, that same closeness can sometimes blur boundaries, making it especially important for clubs to maintain clear standards of conduct and robust safeguarding measures.

While serious incidents remain rare, this case serves as a reminder that football grounds are workplaces as well as sporting venues. Managers, coaches and officials carry out their roles in public-facing environments where tensions can run high, particularly on matchdays. Ensuring safety and professionalism before, during and after matches is an ongoing responsibility shared by clubs, leagues and governing bodies.

For Potters Bar Town, the immediate focus remains on the recovery and wellbeing of Sammy Moore. Managers at this level often juggle multiple responsibilities, from coaching and tactical planning to player recruitment and community engagement. An incident that removes a manager from the matchday environment, even temporarily, can be destabilising, both practically and emotionally, for a club already facing challenges on the pitch.

Welling United, meanwhile, must navigate the postponement while cooperating fully with investigations and maintaining normal operations. The club’s statements suggest an awareness of the seriousness of the situation and a desire to allow the appropriate authorities to carry out their work without interference or speculation.

As investigations continue, further clarity may emerge regarding the circumstances that led to the alleged altercation. Until then, the postponement of the match stands as an unusual and sobering episode in the Isthmian League season, highlighting how events beyond the pitch can abruptly alter the course of a football afternoon.