Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle v Chelsea given go-ahead but Rangers game at Dundee United is off
Referee Andre Marriner has given the all clear for Newcastle to take on Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League after a pitch inspection at St James' Park this morning.[LNB]The fixture had been in doubt after severe weather lashed the north-east of England overnight, but Marriner is satisfied that the game can go ahead at 1.30pm.[LNB]In Scotland, however, the Dundee United v Rangers and Motherwell v Hearts Clydesdale Bank Premier League games have been called off.[LNB] Toon around: Newcastle's match with Chelsea may be called off[LNB]The match, scheduled to take place at Tannadice at noon, was subject to an 8am pitch inspection.[LNB]A statement on United's official website confirmed: 'Today's match has been called off due to the severe weather conditions overnight and this morning.'[LNB]The Scottish FAhad worked furiously all week to ensure all SPL games would go ahead despite strike action from Scottish referees threatening the fixture card.[LNB] Pitch battle: Newcastle United ground staff attempt to clear the pitch[LNB]But, after drafting in Alain Hamer, the Luxembourg match official who also took charge of Celtic's game yesterday, the clash in Tayside fell victim to the weather instead.[LNB]According to Rangers, 'snow overnight made the pitch at Tannadice unplayable and driving conditions treacherous'.[LNB]With injury to several key players and following a tough midweek defeat to Manchester United in the Champions League, Rangers may welcome the free weekend.[LNB]However, today's postponement denies the Scottish champions the opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the SPL to five points after Celtic were held to a 2-2 draw by Inverness Caledonian Thistle.[LNB] Newcastle's Carroll wants to make headlines for the right reasonsNatural born thrillers! How does Dimitar Berbatov's goal haul compare to the Premier League's other five-star performances?Weather threat to Newcastle's Premier League clash with ChelseaCarlisle, Leicester and Fairyhouse meetings fail to beat freeze [LNB] Explore more:Places: Newcastle, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Scotland
