Lions chief clams ‘farcical’ decision to postpone match

The game had originally was set to go ahead after a first inspection after midday in which it was decided that the snow should be cleared and allow the match to happen.

“It’s a farcical decision,” Kavanagh told millwallfc.co.uk.

Referee Geoff Eltringham (left) on the field during his second pitch inspection before the Sky Bet Championship match at Ewood Park, Blackburn.

“By the time the decision to postpone the game was made the majority of the snow had been cleared.

“At worst, kick-off could have been delayed by a short while to allow any necessary additional time needed to clear what was left. To just call it off in the way it was leaves a bitter taste and I have to question the judgement made.

“By the time 3pm arrived the skies were clear, snow around the ground had long melted away and the pitch was unquestionably in a playable state.

“I’m deeply unhappy with the decision and have expressed that disappointment in the strongest possible terms to the governing bodies.”

Ground staff work to clear snow from the pitch before the Sky Bet Championship match at Ewood Park, Blackburn

Millwall has confirmed that it will fund coaches for fans who want to travel to the rearranged fixture.

Kavanagh said: “We had 500 supporters who travelled through some horrific weather to get to Ewood Park today.

“The storm in the past 36 hours or so has been as bad as many of us will remember, but despite that, we’ve still got an excellent number of fans making a 500-mile round trip.

“That is truly phenomenal support and it’s because of that we’re so furious.

“You’ve got fans who have paid out a lot of money for train tickets, petrol, hotel rooms, and more, and I’m not sure that was factored into the thinking when postponing the game.

“I can’t and won’t accept that and we’ll do all we can to ensure fans are compensated as much as possible for their efforts.”

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