A crucial Championship fixture between Hull City and Watford was dramatically called off just 18 minutes before the scheduled kick-off on Sunday, plunging the matchday into chaos and sparking a public disagreement between the two clubs.
A Late Decision Sparks Controversy
The match at the MKM Stadium was postponed by referee Anthony Backhouse due to safety concerns over icy areas surrounding the pitch, despite the playing surface itself being deemed fit. The decision came as the players were completing their warm-ups, leaving thousands of fans disappointed.
In an official statement, Hull City asserted that the postponement was "agreed by all parties", citing the unsafe conditions around the field. However, Watford strongly contested this version of events.
Watford issued a firm rebuttal, stating they "did not agree to the postponement" and were "ready and willing to play" after the pitch passed the referee's inspection. The club expressed deep disappointment with both the late call and the manner in which the decision was reached, sharing the frustration of their travelling supporters.
Widespread Disruption Across the EFL
The aborted game in Hull was not an isolated incident. A wave of freezing weather caused significant disruption across the English Football League, leading to multiple postponements.
In the Championship, Sheffield United's match against Oxford and Portsmouth's top-of-the-table clash with Ipswich were also called off following pitch inspections. The latter was cancelled after an 11am check at Fratton Park.
The lower leagues were hit even harder. A total of 14 games across League One and League Two were postponed. The affected fixtures included:
- League One: Doncaster v Luton, Port Vale v Barnsley, Rotherham v Mansfield, Stevenage v Leyton Orient.
- League Two: Matches at Barnet, Barrow, Bromley, Cambridge, Colchester, Harrogate, Newport, Notts County, Salford, and Walsall.
Frustration and Apologies in the Aftermath
The timing of the Hull City decision, in particular, has drawn sharp criticism. Both clubs acknowledged the inconvenience caused to fans who had travelled to the ground.
Hull City's statement apologised sincerely for the "inconvenience and disappointment caused", explaining that every effort had been made to get the game on. Watford, meanwhile, labelled the timing as "regrettable".
The incident highlights the complex challenges clubs and officials face during severe weather, balancing player and spectator safety with the desire to fulfil fixtures. The Championship schedule is now further congested, with new dates needed for the postponed matches.
