Ports fans call off protest

Representatives from the Portadown Supporters’ Society (PSS) had initially organised a “peaceful protest” to take place before kick-off on Saturday in the Danske Bank Premiership game with Carrick Rangers.

However, the decision was made on Thursday evening to cancel plans following a meeting with high-ranking club officials described as “constructive” by the PSS.

“Following constructive discussions with the Board this evening the PSS have decided to call off Saturday’s protest,” confirmed a statement released on Thursday night. “We are satisfied the Board took our concerns seriously and have agreed greater supporter involvement in the running of the club going forward.

“The Board have agreed to consult with us on many of the other issues we raised within the next week.

“We hope this is the beginning of a bright new transparent working relationship between the club, the fans and the community.”

The prime area of concern connected to the protest was “the lack of clarification and communication from the Board of Directors in regards to the management situation at the club for next season”.

The original PSS statement called for “concerned” supporters to boycott the match and donate the entrance fee into a fund to be presented to the club at a future date.