A FOOTBALL match due to be played in County Durham tonight is in doubt after vandals poured diesel oil on to the pitch.

Fuel from barrels stored in metal shed has been poured into a line marker and spread around the Hall Lane home of Willington AFC, leaving the ground unplayable.

It means there is now uncertainty over whether the scheduled Northern League Division Two fixture between Durham City and Ryton and Crawcrook Albion can go ahead as planned.

Paul Lauder, one of the club’s groundsman, said: “It was in a big metal shed and they have smashed the lock off.

“There were 25 litre drums and there were two of them.

“They have emptied them on to the field. There are patches everywhere. You can see exactly where they have been. What a bunch of clowns."

The Northern Echo: Vandals struck at Willington AFC: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT Vandals struck at Willington AFC: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

It is thought the break-in happened last night between 4.30pm and 6pm.

The club said those responsible have been caught on CCTV and police are investigating.

“It is not playable. Who wants to go and play in diesel?

“We might have to wait ten days to see what happens.

“They are idiots, and that is putting it politely.”

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Willington AFC chairman Lee McConville said: “The Durham game is certainly looking in doubt.

“We might have to rearrange the fixture and there is already a busy schedule towards the end of the season.

“It is a real shame. We have a bit of bother with kids doing things without thinking of the long term consequences.

“Ironically if they want to be involved in the club they are more than welcome to come along to some games and to help out.

“It is a shame that they just come in and vandalise things.

“I could understand it more if they broke in to steal it because of the price of diesel at the minute.”

Durham Constabulary confirmed an investigation is underway.

A spokeswoman said: “We are investigating reports of a suspected break-in at Willington AFC. Enquiries are ongoing.

“Anyone with any information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident reference 105 of March 22.”

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