The EFL have released a statement backing a request from Blackpool to suspend ticket sales to Leyton Orient fans stating 'the concerns are not without foundation.'

On Saturday, the O's faithful stormed the Brisbane Road pitch in the 85th minute in their 3-1 loss at the hands of Colchester United to stage a peaceful protest against the governing body and owner Francesco Becchetti.

An hour after, an announcement was made saying the game had been cancelled however, the players returned to the pitch to complete the final five minutes once the stadium had been cleared.

It was then revealed the EFL had come up with the 'cancelled' solution in order for the game to be completed for Colchester's play-off hopes.

The statement reads in full: "The EFL has today supported a request from Blackpool FC to suspend ticket sales to Leyton Orient fans for Saturday’s final game of the Sky Bet League Two season.

"The decision was taken following a number of concerns raised by Blackpool ahead of the match on Saturday 6th May 2017. 

"The rationale for supporting this request is to allow sufficient time for a full review of the match day safety and security arrangements (and any options within these) against the certainty of knowing the specific 
number of tickets sold to date and in which areas of Bloomfield Road. 

"The EFL's objective will always be to ensure that fans of both Clubs are able to watch the match live, but in seeking to achieve this, we are required to consider all the contributing factors, to ensure that the safety of everyone at the game is not put at risk. 

"Blackpool's concerns are not without foundation based on both the events that took place at Leyton Orient’s Matchroom Stadium on Saturday evening, and the fact that Blackpool themselves remain subject to a suspended charge following the failure to fulfil their Sky Bet Championship fixture against Huddersfield Town at Bloomfield Road on 2nd May 2015. 

"The EFL Executive will consider all the matters on Tuesday and ensure that all the relevant parties are given the opportunity to contribute, including Leyton Orient and LOFT (Leyton Orient Fans Trust). 

"A further update will be provided at 18.00 on Tuesday 2nd May."

To the O's faithful, this may seem like another betrayal as they feel the EFL and the FA have done little to help them during their plight.

The east London club was handed a winding-up petition last month over an unpaid HMRC tax bill believed to be around £125,000 to £250,000.

Since then the Italian has paid off any remaining debt to HMRC, Alchemy Creations (programme suppliers) and the stewards.

The club and the creditors are due to appear in High Court on Monday, June 12 after Orient were given a stay of execution.