The Isthmian League fixture between Welling United and Potters Bar Town was abruptly abandoned on Saturday, December 13, 2025, following a serious incident at Park View Road that left Potters Bar manager Sammy Moore requiring medical treatment and led to the arrest of a 42-year-old man on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.
Football fans arriving at Park View Road expected a tense showdown between two struggling teams desperate for points. Instead, just over 30 minutes before the scheduled 3pm kick-off, both clubs announced the postponement of the match, citing a "serious incident involving a member of our management team." The news sent shockwaves through the non-league football community, with supporters left bewildered as emergency services descended on the ground.
According to a Metropolitan Police spokesperson, officers were called to Welling Football Club at 13:18 GMT after reports of an altercation between two men. "Officers attended and found a 38-year-old man with injuries to his face. A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. He remains in custody," the spokesperson confirmed. Multiple sources have identified the injured party as Potters Bar Town manager Sammy Moore, who was promptly provided with medical care at the scene and is currently being supported by his club.
The incident, which reportedly took place in the vicinity of the dressing rooms, occurred roughly two hours before the match was due to start. While unconfirmed reports suggest Moore may have been "headbutted," official statements have refrained from disclosing further details pending ongoing investigations. The Football Association and Isthmian League have both been notified, with the league chair, Nick Robinson, stating, "The league is aware of this matter and are awaiting the written reports of the alleged incident. We cannot comment further at this time."
Potters Bar Town released a statement expressing their concern for their manager and outlining the next steps: "Today’s scheduled fixture at Welling United was abandoned prior to kick-off following a serious incident involving a member of our management team. Police attended the ground and, following their involvement, the match was unable to proceed. Our manager is receiving appropriate medical care and the club is supporting him fully. The matter has been referred to the relevant authorities, including the league and The FA, and we are seeking formal advice. As this is now subject to ongoing processes, the club will not be making any further comment at this time. We thank supporters for their understanding."
Welling United, meanwhile, also confirmed the postponement with a brief statement on social media: "Saturday's fixture against Potters Bar Town has been postponed. The club will be making no further comment at this time. Further news regarding the rearranged fixture will be communicated in due course." The club’s silence reflects the gravity of the situation and the sensitivity required as investigations continue.
For both teams, the abandoned match adds another layer of difficulty to what has already been a challenging season. Entering the weekend, Potters Bar Town sat at the bottom of the 22-team Isthmian League table with just 11 points, while Welling United were only marginally better off, sitting in 20th place, four points ahead. Both sides were hoping to snap a string of three consecutive defeats, and the match was widely seen as a crucial opportunity to turn fortunes around. Instead, players and fans alike were left to process a very different kind of drama.
Despite the disappointment, Welling United’s players made the best of the situation, conducting an impromptu training session on the Park View Road pitch that afternoon. Footage shared on social media showed the squad working through drills, determined not to let the lost fixture disrupt their preparation for the next league encounter. Welling are set to travel to Lewes on Saturday, December 20, while Potters Bar will look to regroup ahead of their away match at Chatham on Tuesday, December 16.
The shockwaves from Saturday’s events have rippled beyond the two clubs involved. The Football Association has confirmed it is investigating the incident, and the Isthmian League is awaiting detailed reports from both clubs and match officials. While the precise circumstances leading to the altercation remain unclear, the league’s swift response and the ongoing police investigation underscore the seriousness with which all parties are treating the matter.
Non-league football is no stranger to passion and the occasional flare-up, but incidents of this nature are rare and deeply unsettling for the community. Park View Road, Welling United’s home since 1977, is typically a venue for spirited but respectful competition. Saturday’s events have cast a shadow over the club and the league, prompting wider discussions about security and conduct within the game.
Supporters of both clubs have taken to social media to express their concern for Sammy Moore’s well-being and to seek updates on his recovery. The outpouring of support reflects Moore’s standing within the non-league football world. Having taken charge of Potters Bar earlier this season, Moore has been tasked with the daunting challenge of steering the club away from relegation. The events of Saturday represent yet another hurdle in what has already been a turbulent campaign for the Hertfordshire side.
As the football community awaits further updates, both clubs have made it clear that their priority is the health and welfare of those involved. The incident has been referred to the relevant authorities, including the league and The FA, and both clubs have indicated they will not comment further while investigations are ongoing. The rearranged fixture will be announced in due course, once the league and authorities have completed their reviews.
For now, the focus remains on the recovery of Sammy Moore and the outcome of the police investigation. The football world will watch closely as more details emerge, hoping for a swift resolution and a return to action for both clubs under safer and more positive circumstances. The events at Park View Road serve as a reminder that, while football is a game of high emotions, respect and safety must always come first.
