BILLERICAY Town have cancelled their pre-season friendly with Concord Rangers after they claimed owner Glenn Tamplin had been criticised on social media by Beach Boys chairman Antony Smith.

The Ryman Premier League side claimed ‘personal and negative comments’ directed at Tamplin on Twitter meant they had ‘no choice’ but to call off the match.

Town will now play National League powerhouses Leyton Orient on Saturday, July 29.

The argument is believed to have begun when Tamplin responded to a comment made by Smith on Twitter – who said “Spent less than £2,500 a week getting out of the Ryman Premier League #justsaying.”

Tamplin, who is pumping £25,000 a week into Billericay, responded by saying ‘I have had a lot of messages that you are hating on me and I have just seen it for myself which I am really disappointed with. Friendly is cancelled.”

The full statement from Tamplin can be seen below.

“The club is aware of some negative comments on social media made by Concord Rangers chairman Antony Smith.

“Billericay Town Football Club’s players and supporters had very much been looking forward to the friendly fixture at Concord on Saturday, July 29.

“In light of these personal and negative comments, directed at Glenn Tamplin, we do not feel it appropriate to expose our travelling supporters to such open negativity – particularly when the fixture was pitched as a pre-season ‘friendly’.

“The safety and enjoyment of our travelling fans is of paramount important to us and we have therefore had no choice but to cancel the Concord Rangers fixture.

“The club are pleased and proud to welcome Leyton Orient to the AGP Arena on Saturday, July 29.”

The Echo asked Smith to comment on the statement, but he declined to do so.