adminSheffield United release statement after 11th-hour Oxford United call-off attracts criticism, undersoil heating questions
“Extremely disappointed” Sheffield United release statement after 11th-hour Oxford United call-off attracts criticism
Sheffield United have described themselves as “extremely disappointed” that their Championship clash with Oxford United this afternoon could not go ahead, after an 11th-hour decision to postpone it. The game was scheduled to kick off at 12pm but was called off just two hours earlier.
By that point many Unitedites were already at Bramall Lane and Oxford supporters had made the long journey to Sheffield for the early kick-off. But the referee was not happy with parts of the pitch which were still frozen after the temperature plummeted overnight and made the decision to postpone.
The call left many speculating whether the undersoil heating system at Bramall Lane had failed or not been turned on in time, something that the club denied in a statement issued this morning.
It read: “Officials at Sheffield United are extremely disappointed the fixture could not go ahead. In the build up to the game, our pre-match procedures for forecasted low temperatures were followed, which included the use of our undersoil heating system.
“This morning a small section of the playing surface was raised as a cause for concern. With this area still part frozen, all attempts were made to address this section of the pitch for it to meet the standard required for the match to go ahead.
“The referee was then called in at the earliest possible opportunity to assess the playing surface. After he arranged an inspection, he deemed there to be a player safety concern, and opted to call off the fixture at 10am.”
Some supporters even questioned why the game could not be delayed until 3pm, giving the pitch time to thaw out and become playable. The Star understands that decision falls under the juristiction of the English Football League.
The decision robs United of a chance to continue their recent positive momentum and leaves another game to be shoehorned into their busy Championship schedule at some point later in the season.
But when the game is replayed manager Chris Wilder will hope to have a few players back from injury and possibly a new face or two in the building via the transfer market.
Oxford United’s players and staff had already arrived at Bramall Lane when the game was called off, with a statement from the U’s reading: “The club would like to sincerely thank all Oxford United supporters who travelled to Sheffield for their understanding and support in the circumstances.”
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