League One clash postponed 22 minutes before kick-off with thousands of fans inside stadium
CRAWLEY TOWN’S clash with Charlton Athletic has been postponed due a waterlogged pitch.
The League One game was due to start at 3pm but poor weather has seen it called off just 22 minutes before kick-off.
The New Years Day match failed it’s second pitch inspection at 2:15pm.
Crawley Town’s X account wrote: “Unfortunately, this afternoon’s match against Charlton has been postponed owing to a waterlogged pitch at the Broadfield Stadium.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will be back in touch with more communication regarding tickets in due course.”
Local reporter Louis Mendez first posted: “The game is off.”
Referee Sunny Singh Gill deemed the surface unplayable following a late call this afternoon.
Players were warming up as the officials briefed both managers.
A new date for the game will be announced once confirmed.
Supporters’ tickets will remain valid for the rearranged match.
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After a morning of high winds and heavy rain, puddles had formed on the sidelines and water laid on the pitch.
Groundsman Ben Harwood and his staff worked hard to clear water from the turf as the game was a sell-out.
But fans fumed at the late call to abandon the match.
One wrote: “What a joke? Could have been decided earlier .”
A second said: “That is shocking from the referee what about the fans who have travelled?”
Another added: “Disgusting to do it now!”
One more replied: “Absolute joke. Gutted for our fans wasting their New Year’s Day.”
Crawley beat the Addicks at the Valley 2-1 at the beginning of December but both club’s fortune’s have changed since that night.
Rob Elliot’s side have got one point from four matches while Charlton have won three and drawn two since.
The Addicks, led by former Southampton boss Nathan Jones, are currently ninth in the League One table while Crawley are still in 21st.