Pompey game off

Last updated : 02 December 2010 By Tony Scholes

The decision has come almost 48 hours before kick off with a statement from the South Coast club which reads as follows:

The Fratton Park pitch has been protected with frost covers for the past week but the stadium and adjacent areas are now covered in six inches of snow.

Every effort has been made to get the game on but concourses, exits and parts of the seating areas are under deep snow, raising significant concerns about public safety, particularly as conditions are expected to drop to -5 degrees Celsius on Friday.

Portsmouth FC stadium manager Derek Stone said the decision to call the match off was made on the grounds of public safety following consultation with Portsmouth City Council's Safety Advisory Group.

He said: "It's disappointing because we all want to see the match go ahead but safety is paramount. The stadium is under six inches of snow, including the stands, walkways and emergency exits, and more freezing weather is forecast.

"I cannot guarantee the safety of persons attending the stadium nor can I guarantee the safety of staff or helpers coming into the stadium to assist with any clearance."


Burnley have confirmed that tickets already bought for the game will be valid on the re-arranged date, but they will almost certainly make arrangements for refunds for those supporters who won't be able to travel on what will now be a midweek game.