Source: Team_Talk
Snow joke for Accies and Terrors
There appeared no threat to the fixture until around 2.30pm when snow began to fall so heavily, it completely obscured the pitch markings.[LNB]It showed little sign of abating and a decision to abandon the game was soon taken.[LNB]Accies secretary Scott Struthers explained the club's undersoil heating system was unable to counteract such heavy snowfall at such short notice.[LNB]"There's nothing you can do if it happens that late," he said.[LNB]Supporters were issued with free vouchers to keep for the rearranged fixture, with those unable to attend given the option of claiming a full refund.[LNB]Safety concerns were also behind the abandonment, with fears over the condition of the roads around New Douglas Park.[LNB]Referee Iain Brines, who revealed he had never had to abandon a game before, said: "The safety of players is obviously paramount in these decisions.[LNB]"Talking to the police, also the conditions outwith the stadium ground is also taken into account.[LNB]"It was decided best for everybody involved that we don't proceed with the game.[LNB]"The police expressed concerns about the main routes into Hamilton and also outwith."[LNB]United boss Craig Levein - who will hold talks with the Scottish Football Association over the Scotland vacancy - described the abandonment as "100% correct".[LNB]"It was actually quite deep, the snow. The ball wasn't running without gathering snow on it.[LNB]"The forecast was snow for two hours. It doesn't take a genius to work out that maybe it was the right decision."[LNB]Levein, who has had his run-in with officials in the past, joked: "I thought the referes had a good game actually!"[LNB]He added: "We're laughing about it but there wasn't any snow at half-past.[LNB]"I came back down the tunnel at quarter-to an I couldn't believe it."[LNB]Levein was hoping to see his side make amends for Tuesday's 3-0 home defeat to Rangers.[LNB]"It was a great opportunity for us to get Tuesday out of our system and that's the biggest disappointment for me.[LNB]"I sensed a real keenness from the players to atone for their disappointing display."[LNB][LNB]
