Rotherham United’s home fixture against AFC Bournemouth this weekend (Saturday, January 9) has been postponed.
The local authority safety advisory group advised that the game should be called off due to health and safety issues with the roads and paths surrounding Don Valley Stadium.
The prolonged cold snap, which has seen heavy snow fall and hazardous icy conditions affect most parts of the country over the last few weeks, has continued to hit fixtures in England.
Scores of other league games are called off this weekend including the Championship game between Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough United , Sheffield United's trip to Watford and Preston North End against Doncaster Rovers at Deepdale.
Oldham Athletic's clash against Leyton Orient , Charlton Athletic at Hartlepool, Southampton's game against Huddersfield Town and Brighton and Hove Albion against Brentford are just some of the games off in League One.
In League Two, the weather has hit a host of other fixtures such as Cheltenham Town against Hereford United. Torquay United have postponed their game with Dagenham and Aldershot's game against Rochdale is also off, along with Shrewsbury Town's meeting with Barnet and Crewe Alexandra’s encounter against Grimsby Town.
Paul Douglas, Rotherham United’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “The safety of supporters is of paramount importance and we wouldn’t want to put fans in danger by encouraging them to use the icy roads and pavements around the stadium.
“Members of the Safety Advisory Group felt that the areas surrounding Don Valley, which are covered in a thick blanket of snow, are treacherous. The forecast for the next two days predicts continuing arctic weather with night time temperatures of minus seven and day time temperatures not rising above freezing. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that these areas could be cleared to the extent that would guarantee the safety of fans attending the game.
“We also feel it is important to give supporters as much notice as possible that the game will not go ahead to ensure fans don’t make unnecessary journeys. We are assessing the pitch on a daily basis and working hard with Sheffield International Venues to ensure it is playable for the next fixture.”
Pat Smith, general manager of Don Valley Stadium, which is operated by Sheffield International Venues, said: “Although we are two days away from the game, the areas surrounding Don Valley are covered in snow and ice. It is highly unlikely these areas could be cleared and thawed to the extent that would allow fans to come to the game and be guaranteed of their safety.
“Working with Rotherham United, the Safety Advisory Group, South Yorkshire Police, the League and Bournemouth, we carried out a risk assessment. This identified that the recent severe weather conditions, which have seen deposits of snow in excess of 8 inches in some areas and overnight temperatures of up to minus 12 degrees, have affected the area around the stadium over the last few days.
“With temperatures not expected to get above freezing in the next few days, it limits the opportunity to make the streets and footpaths around the stadium safe for fans attending this fixture, despite what would have been our best efforts to make this game safe for all to attend.”
