Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle v Chelsea under threat as severe weather bites leading to pitch inspection
This afternoon's Premier League match between Newcastle and Chelsea in in doubt after severe leashed the north east of England overnight. The pair are due to kick off at 1.30pm at St James' Park. But the pitch is currently under going a pitch inspection.Further north, Dundee United's Clydesdale Bank Premier League game against Rangers has been called off. Toon around: Newcastle's match with Chelsea may be called offThe match, scheduled to take place at Tannadice at noon, was subject to an 8am pitch inspection.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.'The Scottish Football Association had worked furiously all week to ensure all SPL games would go ahead despite strike action from Scottish referees threatening the fixture card. Pitch battle: Newcastle United ground staff attempt to clear the pitchBut, 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.According to Rangers, 'snow overnight made the pitch at Tannadice unplayable and driving conditions treacherous'.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.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. 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 Explore more:Places: Newcastle, United Kingdom, Luxembourg Organisations: Scottish Football Association