Ayr United's fury over late call-off

Feb 5 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

DISBELIEVING Ayr United say Saturday's frozen off match against Raith has left them stunned.

And they showed theircontempt for the decision by immediately staging a full scale bounce match on the pitch that was deemed unplayable.

Veteran groundsman Davie Harkness, who had laid down frost covers the day before, insisted the surface was perfectly playable.

He claimed: "I was able to fork the park in the morning and it was taking a stud. I would like to know which areas the referee said weren't OK."

Angry chairman Lachlan Cameron posted a message on the club's website which read: "Today's game against Raith Rovers has been put off by the referee.

"Despite the wishes of both teams and managers as well as the groundsman's insistence that the pitch was perfectly playable, the refereedecided that there were some areas of the pitch that weren't soft enough for his liking.

"The referee was asked to give it some time and/or let the players warm up on those areas, but that request was refused.

"The game will be re-scheduled along with the other outstanding games over the next two months."

Frustrated boss Brian Reid, who has seen three home games iced off since the week before Christmas, was shattered at the late call-off.

He said: "I thought the park was playable and I have played in a lot worse myself.

"The ref said there were a couple of hard patches – that's his opinion, there is nothing we can do about it.

"We have got to respect his wishes and he has concerns about the players' well-being. I am disappointed for the club for there are a lot of bills to be paid which will cost a lot of money. I think the chairman will be having a coronary.

"We now face a backlog of five midweek games and that will stretch the squad."

Referee Bobby Madden was adamant he had made thecorrect decision even although both teams were happy to play.

He said: "There are areas of the field of play which are unsafe. Some areas will take a stud and are playable butcertain areas that will be

dangerous to the players and officials - particularly through the centre of the field and 18 yard boxes.

"You could dig a fork into parts but I was concerned if someone fell on their collarbone or head. My priority is to take care of safety.

"No one wants a game called off but the right decision has been made on the day."

Raith boss John McGlynn, whose side were facing their fourth game in a week, was unhappy that a decision hadn't been taken earlier.

It was the second time in two months they were hit by a last minute call-off after making a wasted trip to face Queen of the South in December.

McGlynn said: "The pitch was flat and you could put a fork in it. It could have gone ahead but you have to go with the referee and he wasn't to change his mind.

"He was concerned about safety in certain areas of the park. I really didn't want players to have serious injuries the week before a big cup game against Aberdeen.

"But I'm not happy - an early inspection could have saved us and our fans from travelling.

"Scottish football is in a mess today with lots of games called off late. People have to take more responsibility in getting games called off earlier.

"To have the same thing happen to us so soon is a nightmare."