Source: Telegraph
Premier League to quiz Portsmouth and Fulham over postponements
The wintry conditions put paid to 23 games in the Premier League and Football League, but the cancellation of two top division matches came as a surprise, given that all clubs in the competition are supposed to take steps to avoid postponements.[LNB]The game at Fratton Park was postponed after a 9am pitch inspection, but Fulham's game at Craven Cottage was called off less than two hours before kick-off.[LNB]A Premier League spokesman said: "We'll certainly be asking the clubs concerned, and the match officials, to give their accounts of what happened. If it was found that inadequate precaution was taken then it would be referred to the Premier League board."[LNB]Portsmouth and Fulham could, in theory, be fined. The spokesman added: "We stipulate that clubs should be able to stage games when the temperature drops to -3C.[LNB]"Portsmouth have been in touch with us all week about the extreme temperatures they've been getting and they worked hard to try and get the game on. However, we will still be asking about what efforts were made."[LNB]Premier League clubs are required to have undersoil heating, or another system of pitch protection that has been approved by the Premier League board. If either club are found to have failed to have done enough to stage their games, the Premier League could impose a fine.[LNB]Portsmouth's game with City was postponed following Mike Dean's pitch inspection. With the temperature dropping to -7C overnight, frost had got into the surface.[LNB]Referee Rob Styles called Fulham's game off later, admitting that "98 per cent" of the pitch was playable, but there were small patches that represented a "clear danger" to the players. [LNB]The Football Association hope weathermen, who predict a rise in temperatures this week, have got it right: four third-round ties postponed on the original date and eight replays are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. [LNB]
