THE editor of a Bolton Wanderers fanzine has called for a common sense approach to the club's controversial away fixture at Manchester United.

As reported in last night's BEN, Tripe and Trotters editor Gary Parkinson has rejected the calls from some United fans to move the game from February 7 - the day after the 40th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.

The independent Man United magazine United By Football has started a campaign calling for discussions about the timing of the game, fearing some sections of the Bolton crowd could wreck commemorations of the tragedy with offensive chants.

One suggestion is that the match is moved to a less controversial date.

In a detailed response to the United magazine's calls, Mr Parkinson said: "It is a sad, but true, fact that Bolton fans have been among the worst at harking back to the tragic events of nearly 40 years ago.

"Tripe and Trotters has waged a campaign against this, particularly in the aftermath of United's last visit to Burnden 18 months ago."

And just before the recent Man United game at the Reebok Stadium the appeal was repeated, with the fanzine saying: "We can demonstrate our sportsmanship and love of the game of football by directing all our efforts into supporting Bolton."

But despite sharing the disgust of the United fans at Munich related chants, he is determined February's game should go ahead as planned.

He said: "The fixture list is sacrosanct. To change the fixture would be to set a dangerous precedent. Will United be able to dictate who they play every season on the first weekend in February?"

Mr Parkinson added: "The atmosphere at the recent derby match was far less confrontational than of late, and it is to be hoped that the atmosphere of respect for the dead will continue.

"If any Bolton fans - or indeed fans of any other team - break the law against offensive singing they should be quickly and effectively ejected. Isn't that what the stewards are paid and trained for?"

In addition Mr Parkinson believes that the majority of fans who will get tickets for Old Trafford will be dedicated and loyal season ticket holders, not "hooligan material."

He said: "Hopefully with the help of the media and a continuance of the groundswell among genuine fans against the chants, the occasion will be marked by nothing more controversial than a late Nathan Blake winner."

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