PLANS to hold an Accrington Stanley versus Celtic testimonial match for manager John Coleman are in major doubt because of policing costs.

The club had planned to invite the Scottish giants to the Crown Ground this summer in recognition of their popular boss.

But, after discussions with officers, it is now feared that the cost of policing the friendly match would be too high.

Lincoln City admitted they regretted arranging a similar pre-season friendly with Celtic last July after being left with a £20,000 police bill and a number of arrests.

Clubs must meet police costs within their ‘footprint’, meaning inside and in the immediate vicinity of the ground.

Chief Insp Damian Darcy said: “We have been in contact with officials from Accrington Stanley Football Club in relation to policing of this particular match.

“In this case there is a high risk of disorder and therefore the proposed police staffing levels have been set accordingly.

“Staffing levels should reflect the potential for any disorder so that it can be prevented and controlled effectively.

“We have been in discussion with the club in terms of the number of police officers required and the cost to the club.”

Coleman has been in charge of Stanley for 12 years and there have been attempts to arrange a benefit game for some time.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon last month agreed to send a side to the Crown Ground for the match, planned to double up as a pre-season friendly, although no date for the game had been announced.

Coleman said: “There’s a doubt over the game now because the police want to make it a high risk category fixture, which I’m disappointed about.”