Farsley Celtic’s pre-season friendly against Rotherham United was called off just an hour before kick-off tonight – due to safety concerns about the pitch.
The match was due to be held at newly promoted Farsley Celtic’s home ground – the recently re-named The Citadel.
But the pitch was deemed unfit, so the match was abandoned before a ball was kicked.
A Rotherham United statement read:
“Following the Millers’ arrival at The Citadel, it became clear that the playing surface would pose a potential risk to players’ safety and it is with regret that we have made the decision to cancel the fixture.
“Following the Millers’ arrival at The Citadel, it became clear that the playing surface would pose a potential risk to players’ safety and it is with regret that we have made the decision to cancel the fixture. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Rotherham united manager Paul Warne added;
“Taking into account the fact that the lads have just come back from Germany it is with a heavy heart, I had to call the game off for the safety of both teams’ players.
“You can see that the club have done some work on the pitch over the summer and I am sure that it will be fit for purpose in a couple of weeks’ time, but unfortunately, tonight, it was not in a suitable state for either side.
“We’ve worked hard to keep the lads fit in the off-season and during pre-season and playing the game tonight on that surface was not a risk I was willing to take.
“I would like to apologise to the supporters that have taken time out of their evenings to travel across to watch us, and I took it upon myself to try and personally say sorry to those already in the ground.
“Cancelling this game wasn’t something we wanted to do and it wasn’t a decision that was taken lightly, but I must reiterate that the safety of my players is right at the top of our priorities.”
Farsley Celtic are yet to comment.
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