EPL: Manchester United away league game at Blackpool on Saturday called off due to frozen pitch
The UK is in the midst of heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures which has affected a number of matches across the country. The first game to fall victim to extreme weather conditions is the clash between Blackpool and Manchester
United.
Blackpool lacked the infrastructure to deal with the situation and admitted earlier on Friday that they were concerned that the areas of the playing surface affected the most would not thaw out enough for the game to be completed.
The surface is covered under a blanket of snow due to overnight frost and temperatures of below minus 8.
They hired a heated pitch cover in an attempt to beat the temperature but all in vain, despite the best efforts of the groundsman, referee Peter Walton had no option but to decide in advance that the game will not go ahead. The
players and supporters’ safety is of foremost importance. This has left many Blackpool fans frustrated as they were looking forward to this weekend’s fixture with enthusiasm.
Rio Ferdinand broke the news via Twitter before Blackpool confirmed it on their official website. "Blackpool game tomorrow called off due to the frozen pitch, so gutted tweeps," he tweeted.
Ian Holloway's side will now have to wait until a later date for their first league meeting with United in four decades.
Blackpool have been entertaining to watch and have claimed several notable scalps including a win at Liverpool. They were looking forward to this game aiming to consolidate their position in mid-table, while United were hoping
to bounce back from a shocking Carling Cup defeat to West Ham and remain unbeaten in the Premier League. United were on course to be the longest unbeatable team from the start of the season since Arsenal in 2003 had this game gone on and United avoided a defeat.
The Red Devils could now find themselves toppled from the top of the League table if Chelsea overcome Everton or Arsenal beat Fulham.
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