In one of the most bizarre incidents in recent football history, a League Two encounter between Bradford City and Newport County was dramatically called off after approximately 200 seagulls descended upon Valley Parade, turning the pitch into a feathered battleground.
Pitch Becomes Bird Sanctuary
The extraordinary scenes unfolded on Tuesday evening as the seabirds swarmed the playing surface, creating what officials described as "hazardous conditions" for players. The feathered invaders weren't just passing through—they'd made themselves completely at home across the entire pitch.
Match referee James Oldham had no choice but to postpone the crucial League Two fixture after determining that the sheer number of birds presented genuine safety concerns for both teams.
Bradford's Statement
A Bradford City spokesperson expressed their frustration, stating: "The club is disappointed to confirm that tonight's Sky Bet League Two fixture with Newport County has been postponed following a pitch invasion by in excess of 200 seagulls, which has left significant deposits right across the pitch."
The club emphasized that the decision was made purely on safety grounds, with the pitch conditions becoming unplayable and potentially dangerous for athletes running at full speed.
Newport County's Reaction
Newport County manager Graham Coughlan revealed his initial disbelief at the situation, telling BBC Sport Wales: "I've been in football a long time and I thought I'd seen everything, but that's a new one."
"The referee made the right call," Coughlan continued. "The pitch was covered, and I mean covered, in seagull mess. It was like an ice rink out there. The players' safety has to come first."
Unprecedented Football Disruption
While weather conditions and waterlogged pitches have caused numerous postponements throughout football history, a mass seagull invasion represents an entirely new category of match disruption. The incident highlights how wildlife can unexpectedly interfere with professional sports, even in urban stadium settings.
The clubs and league officials are now working to reschedule the fixture, though no date has been confirmed yet. Both teams will hope for clearer skies—and fewer feathered friends—for the rearranged match.
