What Darren Ferguson said about Peterborough fans' premature fireworks

Joe Wright tracks Harrison Burrows. Photo: Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Peterborough United fans’ premature fireworks during last night’s 2-2 draw with Doncaster Rovers were ‘unhelpful’ to the club’s promotion bid, Darren Ferguson has said.

Around 100 Posh fans gathered outside the Weston Homes Stadium with Posh leading 2-0 and seemingly on course for promotion to the Championship.

But their fireworks and celebratory singing only served to motivate Rovers who fought back with goals from Fejiri Okenabirhie and Taylor Richards.

According to reports, Posh officials have suggested the match was close to being called off after fireworks landed on the playing surface.

Peterborough chief executive Bob Symns also left his seat in the directors’ box to ask fans to behave.

Ferguson said: “I don’t want to criticise our fans because we have missed them and it must be frustrating not being able to attend matches.

“There is naturally a lot of excitement around the club with promotion so close, but the fireworks were unhelpful.

“If I was the Doncaster manager or a player I would have got extra motivation from what was going on."

Peterborough co-owner Dr Jason Neale said: “(The fireworks) clearly affected the players and were a rallying call for Doncaster. Let’s please keep fireworks for November 5th.”

Rovers boss Andy Butler said: “We didn’t want Peterborough to be able to celebrate in front of us.

"You could hear them (the fans in the car park) during the game but I've just looked now and they're not there. I think the fireworks have stopped too!”

Peterborough will clinch promotion if they avoid defeat at home to Lincoln City, who still have a chance of going up automatically, on Saturday.