Third Ligue 1 match hit by cold snap

A third Ligue 1 match was on Sunday postponed because of the big chill in France with the tie between Sochaux and Lille called off because of a frozen pitch, match officials confirmed.

Earlier the Caen versus Auxerre clash in Normandy was also postponed as snow swept across France after Saturday's game between Saint-Etienne and Lorient had to be scrapped after ten minutes of play because of the condition of the pitch.

"When we consulted both captains and coaches they came to the same conclusion as us - you could play in these conditions but at a risk to the players' health," said Sochaux referee Tony Chapron.

France has been hit by freezing weather and snowfall from Lille in the north to Marseille in the south.