Ricoh Arena Operator Threatens To Sue Over Coventry City's Decision To Play In Northampton

The operator of the Ricoh Arena has threatened legal action over League One Coventry City's plans to play home games in Northampton starting this season, according to the BBC. Coventry City, which has been in administration since March, plans to stage home matches 34 miles away while it looks at "options for a building a new stadium." An Arena Coventry Ltd. spokesperson said that if Northampton allows the matches to take place, "Coventry will be in breach of a contract." The spokesperson added that "Ricoh chiefs would then seek to recover costs" from Coventry City (BBC, 7/12). In London, Simon Hart reported more than 721 Coventry City fans turned out at a preseason friendly on Saturday to "show their opposition." Black balloons were released from the packed away end as the teams ran out and the chant of "We want Sisu Out" was the first of many aimed at Coventry City's hedge-fund owners (INDEPENDENT, 7/14).