Referee outlines reasons for postponement

http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/20140111-referee-outline-reasons-for-postponement-1287759.aspx

Following the postponement of this afternoon's Championship game versus Barnsley, referee Iain Williamson outlined his reasons for calling the game off
Olly Groome reports

Following the postponement of Saturday afternoon's Championship game versus Barnsley, referee Iain Williamson outlined his reasons for calling the game off.

Arriving shortly before midday, the official inspected the playing surface and later shared some concerns with club officials and managers from both sides.

A further inspection was carried out just after one o'clock when he made the decision to postpone the fixture on safety grounds.

“I was here just before midday. I came out to the field of play and I was very concerned straight away,” said Williamson.

“You take into account: the fans, viewing the game, whether or not it will be a farce but mainly it's player safety.”

He continued: “I have to decide whether the pitch is playable, and the answer is no. If you plant your feet you expect to be able to move them but when you turn they get stuck. And that's dangerous.”

Ticket details and a date for the rearranged fixture will be announced in due course.

No rain is forecast until Sunday evening with the MacLeod Cover being pulled back over the pitch on Sunday afternoon.

There will be a pitch inspection on Monday ahead of Tuesday's FA Cup third round clash with Oxford United and more details will be publicised on www.cafc.co.uk once available

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