A university football match between Exeter and Bath at Exeter's St James' Park has been cancelled after complaints were made by residents in Exeter about student behaviour.
Thousands of people were expected to attend the Varsity match between the universities of Exeter and Bath at the city stadium on October 15.
But following a "high level" of complaints about antisocial behaviour and noise during Freshers' Week in Exeter, senior managers at the university decided to pull the plug on the game.
The university football club came under the spotlight this week following claims it had conducted an 'initiation-style' ceremony – despite such rituals being banned.
The student newspaper Exeposé reported new club members had been forced to consume high levels of alcohol and kiss a dead eel.
A university spokesman said: "The University is fully committed to working with our neighbours, and is currently investigating concerns raised by local residents relating to alleged student behaviour in and around the start of term.
"Given these concerns, and the location of the event lying in a densely populated residential area, we feel it is in the interests of the University, students and local community to cancel the forthcoming Varsity match."
The annual match at the home of Exeter City Football Club (ECFC) is one of the most popular sporting events on the university calendar.
In a letter to students, the university's acting chief operating officer, Geoff Pringle said: "We realise this decision will be disappointing, but we need to do all we can to prevent any further disturbances to our neighbours."
Following the cancellation, the university said it will make donations to ECFC and the two chosen charities for the event – to compensate them for any financial loss.
Anyone who has already bought a ticket for the event is promised a refund.
