King’s Lynn Town fined after sprinkler controversy over postponed South Shields clash

King’s Lynn Town have been fined £10,000 by the National League following the controversial postponement of their fixture against South Shields in February.

The game was called off due to a waterlogged pitch, but the league launched an investigation after a series of leaked images sent to The NLP appeared to show sprinklers running at The Walks despite ongoing rainfall ahead of a planned pitch inspection, prompting questions over whether the conditions had been influenced.

In a statement released today, the National League said: “Following the postponement of the match between King’s Lynn Town and South Shields on Saturday 14 February 2026, the National League received reports that sprinklers had been activated during poor weather and that this may in turn have influenced the decision to postpone the match.

“Following a thorough investigation, the National League charged King’s Lynn Town with a breach of League Rule 8.11 – Each Club must take every precaution to keep its ground in good playing condition.

“A League disciplinary panel met on Friday 17 April and imposed a £10,000 fine against King’s Lynn Town.”

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Inappropriate manner

King’s Lynn issued a statement in response, which read: “King’s Lynn Town Football Club acknowledges the outcome of the National League’s investigation into an incident on 13 February 2026, when the club’s irrigation system was operated in an inappropriate manner.

“Although this occurred without the knowledge or approval of senior staff, and in the context of conditions that had already left the pitch unplayable, the club has cooperated fully with the League throughout its investigation and accepted the charge at the first opportunity.

“We recognise that, in this instance, we fell short of the standards expected, and we have strengthened our match-day procedures to ensure this does not happen again.”

The club added that their focus has now turned to their final game of the season at Chester as they look to avoid relegation from the National League North.

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