The Linnets fined £10k over 'sprinklergate'
It's after their game against South Shields in February was controversially called off
King’s Lynn Town Football Club has been slapped with a £10,000 fine after their game against South Shields in February was controversially called off.
Heavy rain had already flooded the Walks stadium pitch, leading to the game being cancelled on 14th February 2026.
But pictures later showed sprinklers running at the ground before the game, prompting an investigation by the National League.
The League found King’s Lynn fell foul of League Rule 8.11, which says clubs must keep their pitches ready for play.
A statement from the National League said the sprinklers “may in turn have influenced the decision to postpone the match."
After meeting last week, a disciplinary panel decided on the hefty fine.
King’s Lynn admitted the sprinklers were used without senior staff knowing but accepted the ruling and pledged to tighten up procedures to make sure it never happens again.
The club said, “Although this occurred without the knowledge...we have cooperated fully with the League...We recognise that...we fell short of the standards expected...our focus is now on the final game of the season this Saturday.”
The club head into their last game against Chester facing possible relegation.