Two Northampton pubs to shut their doors to football supporters in favour of rugby fans

Two Northampton pubs will be out of bounds for football supporters this Saturday as they opt to open their doors to rugby fans only.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Mar 2017, 16:17 BST

Updated 25th Mar 2017, 11:59 BST

PC Nick Price said on Twitter: “The Wig & Pen pub have requested no football fans on Saturday as they are hosting rugby fans.”

The Foundrymans Arms also confirmed that it was not allowing football fans into the pub on Saturday.

It is understood that the police have advised pub landlords to do so in light of Oxford United’s visit to Sixfields for their clash with Northampton Town.

This Saturday is expected to be one of the busiest sport-filled days of recent years in Northampton as the Saints welcome local rivals Leicester Tigers, with both the football and rugby matches kicking off at 3pm.

Around 23,000 sport fans will be in Northampton for Saturday’s action with hundreds more expected to be visiting the Uncle Sam’s American Circus in Upton Way, which opens its doors at 2.30pm.

The decision on who can and cannot drink in a pub lies with its designated premises supervisor.