The suspected grenade was found near the athletics track surrounding the pitch at the Victoria Pleasure Ground, delaying the intended 3pm kick-off. Humberside Police officers attended the scene, and bomb disposal experts were called into action shortly before the intended 3pm kick-off time on Sunday. According to Humberside Police, a cordon was in place while a specialist team examined the item. Upon inspection, the suspected grenade was found to be a non-explosive replica and was safely removed from the area. It remains unknown who discovered the replica grenade initially or how it ended up near the pitch.
Emergency response and safety protocols were swiftly activated. Goole Vikings reported that following routine pre-match safety inspections, an unidentified, potentially explosive item was discovered by the club's ground safety team. 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. The exact location of the replica grenade relative to the pitch and athletics track has not been specified.
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.
Club communication and fan instructions were issued promptly. Goole Vikings released a statement 30 minutes before kick-off saying the game was delayed due to an incident at the Victoria Pleasure Ground being handled by authorities. The club advised fans not to arrive at the arena before 4pm. According to Goole Vikings, the item was located away from areas accessible to supporters and staff.
Resolution and match resumption followed after the device was confirmed safe. Play eventually resumed at 4.20pm, 80 minutes later than planned. Humberside Police removed the grenade, which was discovered to be a replica rather than a real one. It is not known whether any arrests were made in connection with the replica grenade.
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 match outcome and league implications saw Goole Vikings lose 36-22 to Whitehaven. With this result, the Vikings dropped to 18th in the Championship, while Whitehaven usurped them in 17th place.