Frustrated Fox to seek clarity over late call- off
FRUSTRATED Liam Fox revealed Dundee United will seek answers after their visit to Livingston was postponed barely an hour before kick- off.
The Tony Macaroni Arena’s artificial surface was, despite United’s concern and plummeting temperatures, cleared by fourth official Scott Lambie in an initial 3pm inspection. But the fixture was called off at 6.30pm by referee Matthew McDermid and his assistants.
Fox, who had serious reservations over the earlier verdict, was dismayed by the reversal, pointing out that it would hit United and their fans in the pocket.
“It’s understandable but our concern earlier on with the pitch inspection was whether the pitch was going to be playable then,” Fox said. “We’ve obviously now had pre- match, we’ve come down the road, supporters have left the house. So, it’s not great. We’re looking for clarity on the process and how they came to this decision. We arrived at 3pm, the temperature was only going to go one way and there was doubt about the pitch then.
“We need to seek come clarity and confirmation of the protocols and the way things are done, because it’s cost our club a fair bit of money. There was doubt, from my point of view, at 3pm, but the fourth official made the decision then that the pitch was playable. We turn up tonight and you can see very quickly, the pitch is far from playable.”
Fox’s greatest sympathies lay with United’s fans, many of whom would have already arrived in Livingston by the time the postponement was announced. There was, certainly, considerable anger among their supporters on social media.
“It’s hugely disappointing for me because our fans have been magnificent, both home and away,” Fox said. “I know it’s not our fault but I’d like to apologise to them, the ones that have left their houses, may have left work early.
“This is the second time this game’s been called off, as well.
“We had a conversation with the referee and fourth official there. People at our club will go and ask the right people the right questions, and hopefully get some positive answers.
“We’ve been preparing for this game since the final whistle at the weekend. It was always going to be a tough game and we’d prepared as we always do. We’ve had our pre- match, team meetings and everybody’s got on the bus ready to go and play the game. That’s a frustration.
“These things can happen, nobody can control the weather, we’re aware of that. But, we’re obviously frustrated at how today has unfolded.”
Fox revealed United had arrived in East Lothian with almost a full complement of players available for selection. Only Dylan Levitt had been ruled out, and striker Tony Watt was back in contention to feature, despite speculation over a possible exit.
“Apart from Dylan Levitt, we had a full, fit and firing squad to choose from,” Fox added. “We’ve been on a reasonable run of late and were hoping to come here and get three points. We knew it would be a difficult game, this is always a difficult place to come. I’m just really frustrated, to be honest.”
United next host the University of Stirling in the Scottish Cup fourth round on Saturday, while Livingston will travel to Stenhousemuir.