JUDO fans with tickets to the European Judo Championships have expressed their shock at the sudden cancellation of the event.

 

Glasgow was stripped of its host status of the contest, which was due to take place in the Emirates Arena from April 9 to 12.

The governing body, the European Judo Union (EJU), have pulled the plug on the event after a row broke out over British Judo having links with the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC).   

Brian Long, head coach at Glasgow club Pro Judo, had tickets for the event, which he discovered was cancelled through social media.

The 44-year-old said: "I have tickets for the championships but on Sunday, I saw friends of mine posting on Facebook that it had been cancelled.

"I would imagine I would get my money refunded but I haven't had any word or had the chance to speak to anyone about it yet."

Mr Long added that he found the cancellation of the competition "disappointing" for the thousands of judo fans in Glasgow.

He said: "It was fantastic to have an event of this level in Glasgow.

"Judo isn't a major sport in this city so it would have been amazing for the 7000 odd fans to be able to see world class fighters.

"I think losing out on it could have a really bad effect on the number of judo fans in Glasgow."

Stephanie Inglis, who won a silver medal in judo at last year;s Commonwealth Games, also expressed her sadness at the loss of Glasgow's host status.

The athlete tweeted that the cancellation was "devastating news even if I was unable to compete."

Andrew Scoular, British Judo Chief Executive, said: "It is with deep regret that we have to confirm this news.

"We were excited to be in the final planning stages to deliver what would have been a fantastic celebration of judo for thousands of spectators and hundreds of athletes."