Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Larne owner Kenny Bruce issues apology to fans after plans 'backfire'

Larne owner Kenny Bruce fronted up to fans once again after the club's European charter flight plans 'backfired'.

The Inver Park side is preparing for its debut in the Champions League, with Tiernan Lynch's men taking on HJK Helsinki in the first qualifying round.

The Irish League representatives will play the first leg away from home on Wednesday, July 12.

Read more: West Belfast football club kicks off exciting American venture

Larne had announced details of a charter flight for supporters to travel to the game in Finland, but they have now been forced to shelve those plans due to "circumstances outside of the club's control".

The Invermen said on social media: "We regret to inform supporters that due to a last-minute change in circumstances outside of the club’s control, we will no longer be able to facilitate supporters on the planned charter flight to Helsinki.

"Supporters who wish to travel to Finland for the game are now encouraged to source their own travel to the away leg, which will be played on Wednesday 12th July at 7pm local time."

It is the latest setback for Larne ahead of their historic Champions League campaign, after they recently confirmed the team will have to play their home Champions League games at Cliftonville's Solitude ground after Inver Park's synthetic surface failed part of a mandatory FIFA Pro Standard pitch test.

Owner Bruce recently apologised for the pitch error, and he took to social media again on Friday to say sorry after the charter setback.

He said: "Sorry we jumped the gun yesterday, we were trying to be helpful & it backfired on us. I know the failure of the pitch & the flight situation has rightly annoyed supporters & I apologise.

"We will continue to work hard for your club but on occasions we can make a mistake. Sorry."

Larne play Helsinki in the first qualifying round of the Champions League. If they progress through that tie they will face Molde in the next stage.

If they lose to Helsinki they will drop into the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League and play the winners of FC Ballkani vs PFC Ludogorets 1945.

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.