AFC Telford insist EDL march will not ruin first match in conference

AFC Telford United today insisted a planned protest march by the English Defence League would not ruin their long-awaited first match back in the top tier of non-league football.

A sell-out crowd is expected as the Bucks take on Luton in the Blue Square Conference on August 13 – the same day the EDL has announced it plans to march in Wellington.

A statement issued by the club today said: "On August 13, AFC Telford United will play the biggest game in our short history against Luton Town. It will be a great occasion, an all-ticket sell-out with over 1,000 fans expected to travel from Luton on the opening day of the new Blue Square Conference season.

"It will be an emotional day as Telford return to the league they were in before going into receivership and all of the club's community are looking forward to the game with great anticipation.

"Unfortunately, the game has attracted unwanted attention because of the decision to hold a protest march in Wellington on the same day. The club prides itself on its community roots and its promotion of the power of football to unite people and communities. The club stands implacably against any form of discrimination or intolerance that prevents people participating in the club's activities.

"We want to make it very clear that we do not tolerate discrimination in any of its forms and will act decisively if anybody associated with our great club seeks to use the club's name as a means to promote intolerance."