Albion's trip to America bites the dust

Last updated : 01 July 2005 By Craig Hughes
Albion have been forced to cancel the planned two game pre-season trip to California after being snubbed for Real Madrid.
The Baggies had agreed to play LA Galaxy on July 20 but the American side has since arranged a clash with David Beckham's team two days earlier and called off the match with Bryan Robson's men.
No replacement could be found causing the game with Chivas on July 26 to also be cancelled.
Angry WBA Chairman Jeremy Peace said: "I am angry and disappointed at the treatment of our club.
"We will be reporting all the circumstances to Fifa and other relevant football authorities.
"We strongly believe we had a firm commitment from LA Galaxy who on 8 June confirmed by email that they had finalised their local arrangements to take West Bromwich Albion to their area and said they were 'working diligently to complete the requisite contract.'
"With only 40 days remaining the club, in good faith, made the necessary airline bookings, organised visas for the staff and applied for official FA permission to travel.
"It was only when we felt certain that these two games would proceed, that we informed our supporters via our official website so that anyone who wanted to travel to America could make their arrangements."