Every groundsman's worst nightmare. Tonight's Bohemians-Shamrock Rovers game has been called off for the oddest of reasons.
Daniel McDonnell reports that referee Tom Connolly was unhappy with the state of the penalty spot. After inspecting it at length in the presence of respective managers, Pat Fenlon and Owen Heary, he adjudged that it was unplayable and called the match off.
According to Neil O'Riordan, the Gardai spoke with Connolly. O'Riordan speculated that they may have been anxious to see the game go ahead, so as to avoid the prospect of both sets of supporters milling around Phibsboro.
In the last few mins, the PA has announced that the game is officially postponed.
Ref at Dalymount - Tom Connolly - not happy with condition of grass around penalty spot. Fenlon/Heary now out looking pic.twitter.com/A45ey3KsmB
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) August 18, 2014
Bohs-Rovers called off because of a divot on the penalty spot. Referee deemed pitch unplayable. — Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) August 18, 2014
Here is the damaged penalty spot pic.twitter.com/RxOTwGHZpu
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) August 18, 2014
Gardai have gone in to talk to ref. Suspect they want it to go ahead.
— Neil O'Riordan (@noriordan) August 18, 2014
PA officially announces game is off. Reassuring sound of a helicopter whirring overhead.
— Neil O'Riordan (@noriordan) August 18, 2014
