Hartlepool United's derby clash with Darlington at Victoria Park will go ahead as planned - at 3pm on Saturday, October 7.

And that means the division three game will go head to head with England's World Cup qualifier with Germany at Wembley at the same time.

While most league games have switched either the date or time to avoidclashing with the final game to be played at Wembley before it is rebuilt,Pool have been unable to either rearrange or agree an alternative.

The game was planned for noon, with England to follow three hours later but that plan was last night scuppered by Cleveland Police, who ruled against the decision, claiming visiting fans would be likely to stay in Hartlepool or watch the World Cup qualifier, increasing the likelihood of violence.

Police also refuse to give the go-ahead to a Friday night kick-off, with resources already deployed around the town centre pubs.

Quakers rejected an early morning kick-off and Pool want to avoid a Sunday game, which means 3pm on Saturday is the only option.

There are currently only five Nationwide League games planned for that day - Pool against Quakers included.

A Pool spokesman said: "If it had not been Darlington, we could have looked at moving the game to another day. The two clubs agreed on 12.00, but the police said no.''

Angry Pool fan John Rooke - a member of The Northern Echo's Fan's Forum - blasted: "It is a joke. Being all ticket will already affect the crowd like it always does and it's unbelievable that we are playing the same time as England.

"Everyone wants to watch the Germany game and we will probably be the only game in the county kicking-off at the same time.

"I hope it can be rearranged at a sensible time.''

The last encounter between the sides at Victoria Park was a fiery affair. Quakers triumphed 2-0 in last season's play-off encounter, but manager David Hodgson claimed he was struck by a coin thrown by Pool fans and striker Marco Gabbiadini was punched by a Pool fan as he left the field.

Pool have since installed a players' tunnel and are currently awaiting an FA enquiry into events.

l THE FA yesterday applauded the Football Association's crackdown on over-excessive goal celebrations and insisted: ''We're no spoilsports''.

The FA have charged top Premiership referee Stephen Lodge with a 'technical irregularity' after he failed to caution Arsenal duo Patrick Vieira and Silvinho last month for removing their shirts after scoring.

They say they were acting on a tough FIFA directive which forbids ''provocative and excessive'' celebrations.

Lodge will appear before a referees' commission at Lancaster Gate to explain why he did not enforce the mandatory instruction, but he is unlikely to be suspended.

FIFA today defended their ruling, claiming it was necessary to avoid angering rival fans and causing unnecessary tension.

''Joy is a natural feeling but a line must be drawn to make sure things don't go over the top,'' said a FIFA spokesman.

''We are happy about celebrations but not excessive ones taking off shirts, climbing fences, leaving the pitch and running wild. All of this is considered a bit excessive and conducive to provoking an adverse reaction from the public.''

The controversial ruling has already been questioned by some top officials.

David Elleray stuck up for his colleague Lodge shortly after the incident, saying: ''I think Stephen Lodge on Saturday used the spirit of the law, not the letter of the law.