fbpx
Connect with us

Championship

Statements issued by Hull, Watford, fan group and Tom Ince as EFL look into postponement

Statements have been issued by Hull, Watford, a fan group and Tom Ince as the EFL look into the much talked about postponement at the weekend.

The Championship fixture between the two sides on Sunday at the MKM Stadium was postponed just 18 minutes before kick-off due to player safety concerns from icy areas surrounding the pitch.

The playing surface being deemed fit by referee Anthony Backhouse, while Hull initially stated the decision was agreed by all parties.

But Watford strongly disputed this, insisting they were ready to play, did not consent, and were disappointed by the late call-off and process.

The EFL request observations from both clubs, a standard procedure for postponements, and may launch a formal investigation, potentially leading to disciplinary action against Hull, such as compensation to Watford—though awarding points is unlikely.

HULL STATEMENT:

Hull City’s Sky Bet Championship match against Watford was postponed due to player safety concerns.

While the pitch was playable and had been passed by the referee, areas immediately surrounding the playing surface were deemed unsafe and the decision to postpone the game was agreed by all parties.

Despite the continued efforts of the operations and grounds teams to clear the affected areas, conditions failed to improve, and with temperatures continuing to fall, player safety could not be guaranteed.

We fully understand the frustration of supporters regarding the timing of the decision. Every effort was made to fulfil the fixture, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and disappointment caused.

A new date will be announced in due course and match tickets will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.

Further communication will follow to match ticket holders and hospitality guests.

WATFORD STATEMENT:

Today’s Sky Bet Championship fixture away to Hull City has been postponed due to player safety concerns.

While the pitch is playable, areas surrounding the playing surface have been deemed unsafe.

Although this has been constantly worked on, conditions haven’t improved and with temperatures continuing to fall, player safety cannot be guaranteed.

While player safety is paramount, we are really disappointed the game has been postponed as the team was ready to play.

The decision to postpone the fixture so close to kick-off is regrettable and we fully share the frustration of our supporters. We did not agree to the postponement.

Hornets fans will be able to use their match ticket for the rearranged fixture.

Alternatively, refunds on match tickets and official club coach travel will be available by contacting the Supporter Services & Ticketing Office via supporters@watfordfc.com. Those who paid in-person by cash or card, will need to visit the Supporter Services & Ticketing Office at Vicarage Road for a refund.

A new date for the fixture will be confirmed in due course.

Watford Supporters Board statement:

Whilst we are not formally live yet as a Supporters’ Board, we felt it was important that we did not remain silent on the events of yesterday.

Over the past 24 hours, we have heard from many supporters who were directly affected by the disruption, confusion, and late postponement of the Hull City fixture. Fans have told us they were left frustrated, disappointed, and in all cases, most importantly, out of pocket.

The lack of timely communication and the uncertainty around the decision created a situation no supporter should ever have to experience, and we want to make it clear that we understand and share your frustrations — as do those at our club, as reflected in their statement.

We are in touch with representatives at our football club to advocate for a suitable and fair resolution for supporters who were caught up in yesterday’s events.

We will also be speaking with the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) for guidance, and with equivalent representatives at Hull City, to ensure that the concerns of Watford fans are fully understood and appreciated.

TOM INCE ON TALKSPORT:

“For us it was disappointing because of the form we’re in and you want to keep the momentum.

“It was a strange one because we were at the hotel and there wasn’t really much snow about. We didn’t have any issues, we didn’t think there would be a problem.

“We got to the stadium and we’ve seen the referee walking around the pitch. We actually walked on the pitch itself and it was fine.

“It was only when we went over to the other side of the pitch, where the grass changes to astroturf, that there was a rock-hard line up and down, where they were saying it could be a problem.

“It’s a bit strange because at that moment in time, yeah, it possibly was dangerous, but for us it was a case of, ‘Well if the pitch is fine and it’s just that line, can we not try and do something about it?’

“They’re calling it off 15 minutes before, when we’d done pretty much half of our warm-up.

“It’s one of those things that’s out of our control. We were obviously ready to play and we felt sorry for the Watford fans, who travelled up on the day.

“We have to put that to the back of our mind, focus on Bristol City in the FA Cup on Saturday, and wait for the rescheduling of the Hull game.”

Twitter users reacted amid statements issued by Hull, Watford, fan group and Tom Ince as the EFL look into the postponement…

@Richwfc2: Then let’s see you robustly challenge it when the @EFL ask for observations and get answers for all those supporters horrifically inconvenienced today , and sanctions imposed it applicable to our opponents today. Many fans massively out of pocket & still not home, I know fact !

@MaybeEmmy: This entire situation has been an absolute joke from Hull. There needs to be an investigation and repercussions for this, they’ve clearly forfeited this match and are trying to dodge their way around it.

@HACKETTREF: I can fully understand the disappointment of Watford and the inconvenience to their fans. Frankly this decision to call off the game should have been made before Watford fans sat off

@Ambraneri: So what? The final decision to play lies with the referee, not with anyone else. #hcafc

@JezzaH99: Good for you. If a game is to be postponed it must be at least 2 hours before the game starts. One that 2 hour mark has gone the game goes ahead. If the game was in doubt the ref should have inspected at 1pm. 20 minutes is ridiculous.

@androofrench: That last line is really strong and unequivocal. Hull issued a very much ‘nothing to see here’ update which #watfordfc have smashed back into their court with this.

@MalekWFC_: Something needs to be investigated here , Hull claimed that all parties involved had agreed but we’ve clearly stated that we did not agree. @EFL, please sort this out

@Bslater660: Ahahaaaha that’s a big middle finger from the club to all the Hull accounts saying we agreed to the postponement. Love the shithousery admin 😂🐝 #WatfordFC

@YouOrnsWFC: The plot thickens. Surely there will be more to come from this. And obviously—at least based on this @WatfordFC statement — what happened today did not appear to be above board at all. What is the remedy beyond refunds? @SkyBetChamp @HullCity #WatfordFC #HULWAT

@TigerTinpot: nitpicking bollocks. Ref prob said the pitch was fine, surrounding areas aren’t, gave the club time to sort it, it wasn’t, game called off. Should’ve been handled and communicated better though. #hcafc

Related Topics
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

More in Championship