"We felt it was playable": Frustration as Pompey game called off

Portsmouth Football Club have announced they're going to cover the cost of official coach travel to their rearranged League One match at Crewe.

The game yesterday (Saturday 19 February) was called off an hour before kick-off due to a waterlogged pitch.

A new date's not yet been set.

Pompey manager Danny Cowley said: “We had a good look at the pitch and certainly felt it was playable, although there’s obviously been quite a lot of rain in the past few hours.

“When we arrived, the referee had already done an informal inspection and then he said he would need to make that a formal one.

“It's very easy to blame the officials, but Martin Coy is very experienced and it’s a very difficult decision to make.

"We thought it was possible – even if the fixture had to be put back a bit – but the officials have a lot of protocols that they have to follow."

“He obviously has to take into account the safety of the players and is the one who has to make the tough call.

“When he made the decision the pitch was unplayable, but we were still more than a hour from kick-off and the forecast was that the rain would stop.

“We thought it was possible – even if the fixture had to be put back a bit – but the officials have a lot of protocols that they have to follow and they’re just here to administer the laws, not make them.

“It’s really frustrating and I feel so sorry for the 1,500 Pompey fans who have made the long trip up to Crewe.

“We travelled up in Friday and know how tough it was to get up there during the storm, but it’s harder for them and there’s the cost implication, so we’re desperately disappointed.”

A statement of the club website last night said: "Portsmouth Football Club were disappointed at the postponement of today’s League One match at Crewe.

"We particularly feel for the 1,500 dedicated Pompey fans who made the long journey north in difficult conditions, only for the game to be called off just over an hour before kick-off.

"With that in mind, the club have made the decision to completely cover the cost of official Lucketts coach travel for any supporters wishing to attend the rearranged fixture, whether or not they travelled by coach this afternoon.

"Further details will be announced once a new date for the game has been agreed by both clubs.

"Supporters who have purchased match tickets should note that they will remain valid for the rearranged date.

"Anybody who is not able to attend the rescheduled fixture will be able to claim a full refund on their match ticket from either the Pompey or Crewe ticket offices."