COVENTRY CITY’S clash with Rotherham on Sunday has been called off over concerns over the pitch.
It comes after the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens matches were played at the Ricoh Arena.
Now after a pitch inspection this afternoon, the match officials have deemed the surface unplayable for the Championship match to take place tomorrow.
A Sky Blues statement read: “Coventry City are extremely disappointed to confirm that Sunday’s game against Rotherham United has been postponed.
“Following an inspection by a senior match official on Saturday, the pitch at the Coventry Building Society Arena has been deemed unsafe and unplayable.
“This follows an inspection that took place on Friday by the EFL and a local referee, which was also attended by Manager Mark Robins and Chief Executive Dave Boddy.
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“We are very frustrated that the pitch at the Arena is not up to standard, and share the huge disappointment that fans, players and staff will feel that our opening home game has been postponed under these circumstances.
“Promised investment by the Arena into a new pitch has unfortunately not materialised over the summer, which has been compounded by concerts on the pitch and then a huge amount of use at the Commonwealth Games last weekend.
“We appreciate the efforts in difficult circumstances that have been made by the Grounds Staff who work for the Arena.”
Dave Boddy, chief executive at Coventry City, added: “We are extremely disappointed at this postponement due to the condition of the pitch.
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“It has been deemed unplayable and unsafe by the inspecting official and, having seen it myself, I can understand this decision.
“Last season the condition of the pitch was highlighted as a concern and we expected that this would be addressed by Wasps and the Arena, who are responsible for the pitch, over the summer – sadly this has not been the case, and this is the result of that, plus the large amount of use at the Commonwealth Games last week.
“I am seeking urgent talks with Stephen Vaughan, the Chief Executive at Wasps, and the Arena over the condition of the pitch, and expect immediate and significant improvements to be made to make the pitch playable as soon as possible.”
Coventry confirmed that all tickets purchased for the game will be eligible for the re-arranged game against Rotherham United as they also vowed to keep fans updated with regards to Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Bristol City.
All of the rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games was held at Coventry’s home ground.
It took place between July 29 and July 31.
South Africa claimed the gold medal in the men’s, with Australia triumphing in the women’s.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
