Non-league side investigated over alleged sprinkler use before postponement
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The match, scheduled to be played at the Walks Stadium on Saturday 14 February, was called off after a pitch inspection the previous day.
The club cited a "high amount of rainfall and insufficient drainage" as the reason for the postponement.
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Read This Next →However, images reportedly taken from CCTV footage appear to show the stadium's sprinkler system operating during ongoing rainfall.
The pictures, shared with the Non-League Paper, carry time stamps from mid-morning on Friday 13 February and have prompted questions over whether additional water was applied to an already saturated surface.
The National League North, which governs the division, confirmed it is reviewing the matter.
The National League are aware of the allegations and are conducting an investigation into it.
CCTV footage raises questions
According to reports, the footage suggests sprinklers may have been active for a prolonged period despite persistent rain in the days leading up to the inspection.Whilst it remains unclear how long the system was running, the claims have generated significant discussion across non-league football.
Speaking to the BBC, South Shields chairman Geoff Thompson indicated the club had seen the material now under review.
We are aware the matter is being investigated by the National League.
We've also seen the evidence of the sprinkler system being on for a very considerable time in advance of the referee pitch inspection, which was conducted remotely via telephone with the match referee and hosted by the KLTFC groundsman.
No comment from King's Lynn Town
King's Lynn Town, who sit 19th in the table and are battling to avoid relegation, have not publicly commented on the allegations.The club were taken over in November by Turn Sports Investments, a Singapore-based company led by businessman Joseph Phua.
The ownership group previously stated its intention to stabilise the club in the short term before stepping back once new structures were established.
Reports have also suggested King's Lynn were dealing with injuries and illness in the week of the scheduled fixture, with key players unavailable.
No official confirmation has been issued by the club regarding squad conditions at the time.
South Shields adopt cautious stance
South Shields have refrained from making any direct accusations whilst the investigation is ongoing.We are aware of reports that have surfaced regarding our postponed fixture versus King’s Lynn Town. The club will not be commenting further at this time.
Possible implications remain unclear
It is not yet known what sanctions, if any, could be imposed should the allegations be substantiated.Observers have described the situation as unusual within the National League structure, with no widely recognised precedent.
The National League has reportedly requested access to the full CCTV recordings and a formal response from King's Lynn Town as part of its enquiries.
For now, the rearranged fixture is scheduled to take place later in the season, whilst the league continues its investigation.
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