Angry York want the two points after Rochdale postponement

James Gordon

York chairman Jon Flatman says they expect to receive two points after their Championship clash with Rochdale was postponed in farcical circumstances on Sunday.

With little more than half an hour to go until kick-off, Rochdale issued a statement to say that the kick-off may be delayed at the Crown Oil Arena due to high winds.

Eventually, the game didn’t go ahead at all as the winds meant that the covers protecting the pitch couldn’t be removed safely, nor could the rugby posts be installed.

In a statement, Flatman said: “There is a clear issue to resolve when both teams players, staff and officials want a game to occur and issues created via the Stadium Management company and contractors result in a different outcome.

“The match commissioner was clear that the pitch was playable and he tried his very best to reason with a group of individuals who had a different agenda. Health and safety is a primary concern of all parties however it is not correct to use this backdrop to mask a different agenda.

“It’s the players and fans with whom I have the greatest sympathy. The new wave of York fans, over 300 in number, who has travelled to the game with good intentions has been let down today and quite rightly they are asking questions of our club, the Rochdale club and the sport as a whole.

“Be under no illusions though, York City Knights explored every avenue to get the game on and expect the 2 league points to be awarded to us and for a clear message to be sent that professional rugby league has obligations of all clubs with respect of ground availability. In light of today, we will further review this position with the arrangements at new community stadium.”

York could have gone top of the Championship table with a win.

Championship Jon Flatman