Torch relay fiasco was caused by ads clash

Crowds packed into Headingley Carnegie Stadium for the Torch’s visit on June 24 in the hope of getting a close-up view of the symbol of the Games. In the event, however, the Torch was carried onto the ground’s cricket pitch then straight back out.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (Locog) said at the time that adjustments to the route of the relay occasionally had to be made to keep it on schedule.

Now, though, emails revealed following a request under the Freedom of Information Act have shown branding issues were the reason for the non-running of even a short lap of the pitch.

In one email, a Leeds City Council official tells a Locog staff member: “When I spoke to you briefly at Leeds Town Hall on the morning of Monday 25th June, you informed me that your decision had been taken because of the non-removal of branding at the ground, and that it was made on your arrival about five minutes ahead of the Torch.”

The Locog worker says in another email that it had been her impression advertising hoardings around the pitch would be laid on the floor during the relay’s visit.

She goes on: “This is because they would be in the direct eye line of the cameras and the Torchbearer would have run directly in front of them.”

Apparently referring to the fact the hoardings remained visible, the worker adds: “It is my belief that we had always been clear .... that we can only visit ‘clean’ venues.”

An email to Locog from a Yorkshire County Cricket Club staff member, however, says: “I actually only agreed to cover up those boards you deemed to conflict with your Relay Partners.”

The three “presenting partners” of the Torch relay were Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung.

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