A severe cold snap gripping the UK has caused significant disruption to the sporting calendar, forcing the postponement of a host of football fixtures scheduled for Sunday, 4th January 2026.
Key Championship and League One Fixtures Axed
The icy conditions led match officials to call off several high-profile games after early pitch inspections. Sheffield United's Championship fixture against Oxford United at Bramall Lane was cancelled following a referee's assessment, with club officials citing paramount concerns for player safety.
Similarly, Portsmouth's clash with Ipswich at Fratton Park was deemed unplayable after an 11am inspection. Hull City's match against Watford was also scrapped shortly before kick-off, with the areas surrounding the playing surface at the MKM Stadium considered unsafe.
Widespread Disruption Across the EFL
The freezing weather has decimated the schedule across all three divisions of the English Football League. In total, 13 EFL matches were called off due to the hazardous conditions underfoot.
In League One, the following games fell victim to the freeze:
- Doncaster Rovers vs Luton Town
- Rotherham United vs Mansfield Town
- Stevenage vs Leyton Orient
The disruption was even more extensive in League Two, where a significant number of grounds failed pitch tests. The postponed matches include fixtures at:
- Barnet, Barrow, Bromley, Cambridge United, Colchester United
- Harrogate Town, Newport County, Notts County, Port Vale, Salford City, Walsall
Racing Also Hit by Arctic Blast
The sporting fallout extended beyond football, with the National Hunt racing programme also heavily impacted. Monday's scheduled meetings at both Ludlow and Lingfield have been abandoned due to the racecourses being frozen and unfit for racing.
The series of postponements highlights the vulnerability of the winter sporting schedule to extreme weather events, with player and participant safety remaining the primary concern for officials making these critical decisions. Fans are advised to check with their clubs for rearranged dates and further updates.
