Kewell backs ref’s decision to abandon fog-hit clash with Rovers
OLDHAM boss Harry Kewell believes it was the right decision to abandon his side’s game at Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.
Officials were forced into the decision after increased snowfall and fog produced a partly frozen pitch and restricted visibility at the New Lawn with multiple delays taking place throughout the fixture.
Before that, the League Two game was level at 1-1 midway through the second half after goals from Nicky Cadden and Zak Dearnley before the break.
“I think you have to take into consideration the professionalism of both teams with being a difficult situation,” said Kewell.
“The ground staff here have tried their very best but there were patches that were rock hard still, then you had the fog coming in and it just wasn’t helping.
“But when the balls were going up in the air, you couldn’t see them and I think the referee made the right decision in the end.”
Latics started poorly and were behind after 20 minutes when Cadden made his way into the area and fired past Ian Lawlor from an angle.
However, Kewell’s men were level one minute into added time, as Dearnley found space on the edge of the area and slotted into the bottom corner.
The sides resumed after an extended half-time break but the game was eventually abandoned on 59 minutes after increased concern about conditions.
“We all wanted to play the game but the ref had to take all elements into consideration and he made the right call,” added the Latics boss.
“We can only play better (in the rearranged fixture) and I’m looking forward to that challenge.”