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The GROUNDSTAFF at Hull City’s MKM Stadium employed some unusual techniques to avoid a postponement of their match against Watford.
The two teams were set to face off in the Championship on Sunday, but the match was jeopardized due to the presence of ice surrounding the pitch.
Staff at Hull City’s MKM Stadium attempted to use a blowtorch to de-ice their pitchCredit: X @SkyFootball
The match was ultimately canceled due to safety concernsCredit: X @SkyFootball
The pitch itself seemed playable, but ice covered much of the area around it, including the managers’ technical zones.
Staff were observed using a BLOW TORCH in a frantic effort to melt the ice in these locations to secure approval for the match to proceed.
However, their efforts were insufficient, leaving fans frustrated and financially burdened after making the 400-mile round trip.
The home team issued a statement that read: “Hull City’s Sky Bet match against Watford has been postponed due to concerns for player safety.
“While the pitch is playable, the areas surrounding the playing surface have been deemed unsafe.
“Despite ongoing efforts to improve conditions, the situation has not improved, and with temperatures continuing to drop, player safety cannot be ensured.”
One fan remarked: “What an absolute disgrace. I sympathize with the fans who spent their hard-earned money to travel all this way only for a game to be canceled 20 minutes before kick-off—it’s outrageous.”
Another fan added: “I feel for the Watford supporters. Ultimately, the match officials make the decision, not Hull City.
“It’s an incredibly late judgment, given that access to the ground was unaffected and the pitch was fine, only to receive notice 20 minutes prior that an icy technical area warranted a postponement!!?”
Watford also released a brief statement, saying: “While player safety is our top priority, we are truly disappointed that the game has been postponed as we were prepared to play.
“The decision to postpone the match so close to kick-off is unfortunate, and we completely understand the frustration of our supporters.”
They were not the only Championship teams left disappointed by a postponement, as another match was also called off on Sunday.
This decision was made despite the club’s Bramall Lane having under-pitch heating installed.
Several other teams, including Salford, Notts County, Bromley, and Walsall, also had matches canceled due to icy conditions, with temperatures plummeting as low as -6°C in certain regions.
- Why was the match between Hull City and Watford postponed?
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The match was postponed due to safety concerns regarding icy conditions surrounding the pitch, despite the pitch itself being playable.
- How did the groundstaff try to resolve the ice issue?
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The groundstaff used a blowtorch in an attempt to thaw the ice around the pitch and the technical areas.
- What was the reaction of the fans to the postponement?
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Fans expressed their frustration, particularly those who traveled long distances, feeling it was unfair to have the match called off shortly before kick-off.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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