The Vicarage Road outfit have reluctantly postponed Saturday's arranged clash between Watford and Sheffield United due to a number of reasons. The postponement, much to fans' frustration, had to be declared. Glyn Evans, Head of Operations at Watford, said:
"We have a social responsibility to make the decision earlier rather than later and we are mindful of the advice currently being given by the authorities that people should only travel when absolutely necessary.
"Because we are accountable and responsible for the safety of all people coming to our stadium, the responsibility for this decision solely rests with the Football Club's safety and operational team.
"We'd made great efforts to make sure the pitch was in good condition for the game and it would have been, but with freezing temperatures forecast for this area overnight and Friday, and specifically a forecast of minus 6 degrees tonight, given all of those circumstances this was a clear-cut decision to have to make concerning the safety of our supporters.
"Furthermore, it was by no means clear we could make sure we had the required number of staff on site, including those of the medical profession, to meet our legal requirements to open the stadium given that they too would have to travel to the venue.
"Clearly we're as upset as any of our fans would be as the manager and the team were very much looking forward to the fixture, but as a club we will never compromise safety under any circumstances."
SUFC has confirmed that match tickets will still be valid for the yet-to-be rearranged fixture, but, if supporters cannot make the new date, refunds are available.
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