ROSS County were left frozen out of action after their Scottish Championship clash with Queen’s Park was called off 15 minutes before kick-off.
Ross County’s match at Queen’s Park has been called off. Picture: Ken Macpherson
The match, which was scheduled to be broadcast live on BBC Scotland tonight, was postponed at 7:30pm with kick-off at 7:45pm.
It has been reported that no pitch inspection was carried out during today. However, both management teams were unhappy with the surface at The City Stadium and the decision was made to call off the match.
Ross County were looking to move out of the relegation zone as they are currently in ninth place, one point behind Queen’s Park in eighth.
Speaking on BBC Scotland, Ross County assistant manager Callum Davidson said safety had to come first.
He said: “We are obviously disappointed, but safety is the most important thing and it is pretty dangerous.
“It is a long journey for us to come down here. We are disappointed, but so are Queen’s Park.
“It is a sensible decision as if something happened to somebody, we would be culpable of not doing their job.
“We will just prepare for the next game.”
“We have had a wee cold snap for the first time this year and the pitch did not thaw out as they thought it would.”
Queen’s Park head coach Sean Crighton said due to player safety the decision was made to call the game off.
He said: “Both managers have spoken to the referee and we were looking at players safety.
“We looked at the pitch and there are a lot of hard places on the pitch.
“Something was going on today, but no pitch inspection was scheduled so I don’t know what happened there.
“I was told the pitch was alright but I looked at it and for me there are a lot of areas that aren’t safe for the players.
“I took the advice of my club captain and he said it is really slippy and we are gutted the game is off.”
Queen’s Park have released a statement saying after discussions with both Ross County manager Tony Docherty and Queen’s Park head coach Sean Crighton, the decision was made to call off the match.
They wrote: Tonight’s match officials have postponed this evening’s William Hill Championship match against Ross County.
“The decision was taken on player safety grounds after discussion with both Queen’s Park head coach and Ross County’s manager.
“Tickets will be valid for the re-arranged fixture, however refunds will also be available. Supporters are asked to contact Queen’s Park FC on Monday to process these.”
“I feel for Ross County as it is not ideal for them coming down here. It is not great but at the end of the day, safety is paramount.”
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