Late weather warning provided little southern comfort

Last updated : 30 December 2005 By Editor

aborn told the The Times newspaper, "The weather forecast had been clear but I think they should have anticipated the problems and taken into account the travelling fans. It beggars belief that they can go all that way, be on the doorstep of St James’ Park, and the game is called off. If there is any possibility of a game being postponed, they should consider the supporters."

"Clubs of course want to play the matches if at all possible but they should not leave it to the last minute because it is so unfair on the fans. It is expensive enough to get into a Premiership football match anyway and if fans have their money wasted on travelling expenses as well, then they simply will not be able to afford it."

However, St James’ Park have said in an official statement that the decision to postpone the game between Newcastle United and Charlton, just 25 minutes before the scheduled start on Wednesday night, had the best interests and intentions for all concerned.

They also confirmed the events, which ran through the afternoon and into the evening.

Following a heavy snowfall between 4.30 and 5.30pm referee Mike Dean inspected the pitch at approximately 5.45pm and was satisfied that if the pitch was cleared the match could go ahead.

However, it was appreciated at this time that if more snow fell then further discussions between the club safety officer, the police and the match officials would take place. A further meeting was held with the referee anyway, just 15 minutes after the previous one. At that time the pitch clearance by ground staff and stewards had progressed well and work to clear snow on the outer concourses had commenced.

At some point within the next hour The Met Office was contacted. They warned of a risk of further heavy snowfall and temperatures of minus five degrees later in the evening.

When at approximately 7pm it started to snow again, the safety officer was back in discussion with the police and the referee, and within 20 minutes the decision was announced that the match would not proceed.

Freddy Shepherd, the Newcastle United Chairman commented in the same paper: "The situation was taken out of our hands by the police and the Health and Safety people."