EFL owner calls for urgent rule change as match postponed one minute AFTER scheduled kick-off time
ACCRINGTON STANLEY owner Andy Holt has called for a new rule regarding pitch inspections in the EFL.
Stanley’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy clash with Lincoln City was called off just one minute AFTER the scheduled kick-off time on Tuesday due to a frozen pitch.
Several Lincoln fans made the 130-mile trip to Lancashire before the decision was made to postpone the match, with many later taking to X to vent their anger.
One person wrote: “Get our fans refunded what a joke. You’ve had all day.”
While another blasted: “This really is an absolute shambles.”
Accrington Stanley chairman Holt was quick to offer his apologies shortly after the match postponement and went on to suggest that the EFL introduce a new rule to prevent such a scenario occurring again.
He tweeted: “Dreadful decision by Ref. Calling it off at Kick off time. Ground can’t have got much worse than an hour and a half ago.
“Needs stopping this shambles. Fans need proper notice. Apologies to all fans home and away.”
One fan then replied: “It’s about time the EFL brought in some sort of protocol that the game should be called off within a certain time frame. Ie, Lincoln travel for 2 and a half hours so inspection is 4 hours before kick off so plenty of notice for away fans.”
To which Holt simply responded: “I agree.”
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The chairman added: “Refs need forcing to make a call earlier than Kick off time by football authorities. V1. After which the game gets played.”
Other fans were quick to agree, with one person writing: “Couldn’t agree more Andy total disregard for supporters clubs and owners.
“It’s bad enough travelling from Lincoln, but we would have been furious with refs if we had come from Chelmsford in days of old there would have been no debate it would have been on, sorry rant over.”
While another added: “Fair comments. Feel for you with the officials putting your club in this position.”
Accrington Stanley currently sit ninth in League Two while Lincoln are ninth in League One.