The suspected grenade was found near the athletics track surrounding Goole Vikings' pitch at the Victoria Pleasure Ground shortly before the intended 3pm kick-off. Humberside Police attended the scene and removed the grenade, which was discovered to be a replica rather than a real one. According to the police, a cordon was in place while a specialist team examined the item, and upon inspection the suspected grenade was found to be a non-explosive replica and was safely removed from the area.
The item was discovered by the club's ground safety team during routine pre-match safety inspections prior to gates opening to spectators. 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.
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.
Play eventually resumed at 4.20pm, 80 minutes later than planned. Goole Vikings lost the match 36-22 and dropped to 18th in the Championship, with Whitehaven usurping them in 17th. It remains unknown who left the replica grenade near the pitch and why, or how many spectators were affected by the delay and lockdown. The specific emergency protocols activated by the club have not been disclosed, and it is unclear if there were any prior security concerns or similar incidents at the Victoria Pleasure Ground.
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.