RUFC - DV Officials surprised at postponement

Rotherham United's game at the weekend was called off just before mid-day due to a waterlogged pitch. But, Chief Operating Officer, Paul Douglas said that Officials from Don Valley were surprised at the decision as they'd not had similar problems before.

Speaking to The Star, Mr Douglas said, 'It simply wasn't playable.'

When groundsman, Jim Davison, arrived at Don Valley on Saturday morning there didn't appear to be a problem but by 10am he was concerned and the club got in touch with the Football League who said an early inspection was priority. Referee, Michael Oliver was contacted and made an inspection at 11.20am. An update of the weather found that rain was due to fall for at least another three hours and just before mid-day, Mr Oliver took a ball out onto the pitch and deemed it unplayable and postponed the game.

'It was a blow,' Mr Douglas said, 'no one likes to have a game called off at short notice and we feel sorry for the Aldershot fans who would have been well on their way and for any of our fans who have to travel a distance too.

'Had the rain stopped at 12 then we would have been able to play but the forecast was for more rain and it was obvious that the parts that were waterlogged would only get worse. The referee had no other choice and we arrived at the decision as quickly as possible.'

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