Watford have criticised the decision to call off their Championship match at Hull City just 18 minutes before kick-off on Sunday, claiming they did not consent to the postponement. The referee, Anthony Backhouse, deemed areas surrounding the pitch unsafe due to frozen conditions, despite the playing surface itself being passed fit.
The MKM Stadium clash was one of three Championship games postponed on Sunday, alongside Sheffield United vs Oxford United and Portsmouth vs Ipswich Town. A total of 14 fixtures across Leagues One and Two were also called off due to frozen pitches.
Hull City stated the postponement was 'agreed by all parties', but Watford insisted they were prepared to play. 'We reiterate we were ready and willing to play after the pitch was passed fit by the referee,' Watford said in a statement. 'We remain disappointed by the decision to postpone and by how the decision was reached. We did not agree to the postponement.'
Hull's statement acknowledged fan frustration over the timing but defended the decision: 'While the pitch was playable, areas immediately surrounding the playing surface were deemed unsafe. Every effort was made to fulfil the fixture, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience.'
Other postponed matches included Doncaster vs Luton, Rotherham vs Mansfield, and Barnsley vs Port Vale in League One, while League Two saw 10 games called off, including Barnet, Barrow, and Bromley.
