Police ‘are not involved’ in Derby call-off
DERBY’S decision to postpone Sunday’s home Sky Bet Championship game against Cardiff was made independently, Derbyshire Police have confirmed.
Cardiff boss Neil Warnock described the Rams’ decision to announce the game had been called off at 8.30am on Sunday as “scandalous” and a “disgrace.”
An English Football League statement said on Sunday the decision was made “first thing this morning following discussions between Derby County, Derbyshire Police and the local Safety Advisory Group.”
However, Derbyshire Constabulary have said they were not involved in the club’s decision.
A statement said: “For clarity, Derby County Football Club took the decision to postpone the match due to the weather conditions and the health and safety of people travelling to the ground.
“The club made this decision independently. It was not made by Derbyshire Constabulary.”
Derby said on Sunday the clash had been postponed due to Pride Park and its surrounding areas being unsafe for “supporters, staff and officials.”
In response to the police statement, the club issued a further release insisting they followed the correct procedures.
It said: “We fully complied with all the matchday operational regulations surrounding the postponement of the game.
“The decision was fully supported by the independent Safety Advisory Group who are responsible for ensuring that the club complies with the terms and conditions of our Safety Certificate.”
The postponement infuriated Warnock.
He said: “We came up yesterday and there is the snow, but I think it is a disgrace quite frankly.
“There is nothing here, the car parks are clear, all the shops are open.”
Warnock added: “Safety? We have come from the middle of the countryside on the coach and the roads have been perfectly all right, so I just don’t know where they are coming from with this. It leaves a sour taste. I think it is scandalous.”
An EFL spokesman said: “We are aware of the comments which have been made throughout the course of today in regard to yesterday’s postponement between Derby and Cardiff.
“Having asked both clubs for their observations on the matter on Sunday, will not be making any further comment until the full responses are received.”