Birmingham manager Trevor Francis was furious the building site end was not used last night and at one stage ordered his players off the pitch. It is understood the police were concerned they could have been a surge from the crowd if the shoot-out was held at the other end. After the furore, the Lancashire Constabulary and the host club issued a statement this morning. However in any pre-match safety briefings, the clubs ground safety officer and police will give advice to the referee based on the safety of supporters in the stadium and the preservation of public order. This was the case in advance of last night's match at Deepdale.
Public safety remains paramount on any such decision making.
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