Burnley FC clash at Pompey snowed off

Burnley’s Npower Championship fixture at Portsmouth on Saturday has been postponed.

The pitch at Fratton Park had been protected with frost covers for the past week but the stadium and adjacent areas are now covered in six inches of snow.

Portsmouth worked hard to get the game on but concourses, exits and parts of the seating areas are under deep snow, raising significant concerns about public safety, particularly as conditions are expected to deteriorate with the forecast for temperatures to drop to -5 degrees Celsius on Friday.

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Stadium manager Derek Stone said the decision to call the match off was made on the grounds of public safety following consultation with Portsmouth City Council’s Safety Advisory Group.

He said: “It’s disappointing because we all want to see the match go ahead but safety is paramount.

“The stadium is under six inches of snow, including the stands, walkways and emergency exits, and more freezing weather is forecast.

“I cannot guarantee the safety of persons attending the stadium nor can I guarantee the safety of staff or helpers coming into the stadium to assist with any clearance.”

Tickets for the match will be valid for the re-arranged fixture on a date to be arranged.