WORKINGTON’S Easter mass football game has been cancelled for the first time in centuries due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Uppies & Downies is one of the oldest games of its kind in the country.

Despite it not having a formal organiser, players have agreed the games should be cancelled for this year.

Uppie Jamie Beaumont, who organises the players’ charity events, made the announcement on Facebook last week.

He said: “As we all know there are no organisers of our game, it is classed as a happening, but the facts are that given the current pandemic and government advice about social isolation and social distancing, this year’s games cannot go ahead.

“It breaks my heart to say it but it is a harsh reality, we have to do the right thing and it will only raise the profile of our game.

“We all need to stick together to protect the game that we all love so dearly.

“Please please please respect what we believe is right and always listen to the government advice that is being updated daily and stay safe people.”

The charity events, which are raising money for West House, have been postponed.

The unique balls, which act as a prize for whoever hails the ball, had already been made and a decision on what will happen to them will be announced soon.

Robert Daglish, who sponsors the Tuesday game, said: “It is, as far as I’m aware the first time in some 350 years we will not be playing.

“The sadness at this predicament is raw. At the same time, it would be tragic if we were to witness and be part of adding to the pandemic.

“We also considered delaying the game until later in the year but that still wouldn’t continue the tradition.

“In the end we decided to wait until Easter next year with a new ball and concentrate on being able to play the game and not worry about the virus.”