Manchester Derby Cancelled
Manchester City v's United cancelled due to weather and concerns over the condition of the pitch at the Bird's Nest Stadium Beijing.
The eagerly anticipated Manchester derby in Beijing has been called off due to adverse weather conditions.
Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho have both expressed concerns about the state of the pitch. With more rain forecast after days of heavy downpours the news this morning that the United team have left China and the game has been cancelled would have not have come as a complete surprise.
The two managers were united in expressing their worries over the state of the pitch. Pep Guardiola responded to questions regarding what he wanted as being ‘no injuries’. Jose Mourinho went further saying. “I just wish there are no problems in the match and everyone goes home without injuries. If we manage to do that, then that’s fine.”
United have not had a good tour what with the 4-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund on Friday, confusion regarding their flight and Monday's cancellation. United's trip to China has not been far from ideal preparation for the start of the Premier League and Jose Mourinho told reporters he could not wait to get back to Carrington and concentrate on the season ahead.
United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward expressed his disappointment: We know our fans in China will, like the players and staff, be saddened by the cancellation of the match but I am sure they appreciate that the player safety has to be the top priority.”
City’s chief executive Ferran Soriano echoed these sentiments and in an official statement Manchester City said; “The cancellation was made in the interest of player safety and comes following extreme weather events in Beijing over a multiple day period, that have left the playing surface in a condition deemed to be un-fit for play.”
Although both clubs appear in agreement regarding the decision to cancel the game it appears City did go to great lengths to provide the game went ahead. They sent deputy groundsman Craig Knight to Beijing 10 days in advance to work stadium staff on the pitch. Unfortunately, this was not enough considering the extreme conditions.
City will now have extra time to prepare for their friendly against Borussia Dortmund which takes place at 12:30 GMT Thursday.
Fans have been told to visit a Chinese website for details of ticket refunds. However the ‘Official English Site’ is mostly in Chinese and it is unclear how fans will get a refund.