A DECISION not to delay the kick off of Burnley's game at Stoke on Saturday has been attacked by MP Peter Pike after hundreds of fans missed the start of the promotion clash.

An overturned lorry on the M6 caused massive delays with the Burnley team only arriving at the Stoke ground with minutes to spare.

Burnley boss Stan Ternent said he had been concerned for fans travelling to the game and had spoken to the referee, who would not put the kick-off time back.

Burnley Labour MP Mr Pike said today the decision not to delay the kick off was wrong and could have caused serious problems.

"I shall be raising the matter with the Football League," he said.

Viscount Central, who sent 13 coaches to the game, rang Stoke City at 2.30pm to tell them many fans would be late. Spokesman Alan Simpson said: "They told me a decision on delaying the game was up to the referee. There was no reason why it could not have been put back half an hour."

Two coaches did not arrive until 3.30pm, the last carrying members of Accrington Clarets.

Mr Simpson said: "They were disappointed and really angry that the kick off was not delayed."

All three Colne Clarets' coaches arrived well before the kick off. Organiser Alan Beecroft said: "I counted 16 coaches arriving after the kick off and at least 1,500 Burnley supporters arrived late."

Boundary Clarets arrived at 2.50pm after an agonising four and a half journey. Mark Graham said: "We set off at 10.15pm and didn't get to the ground until 2.50pm, it was a nightmare."

Nody at Stoke City or Staffordshire Police was available to comment today.

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