Fans want refund after game is rained off... again

Southend United and Rochdale are hoping it will be third time lucky at their next clash.

Southend United head coach Kevin Maher being interviewed after the game has been abandoned. His hair is wet and he is speaking into a microphone. Behind him there is heavy rainfall lashing down on the pitch and empty stands.
The round trip to Rochdale and back for Southend United fans, players and head coach Kevin Maher was 500 miles (804km) [Warren Muggleton/BBC]

Southend United fans have called for a refund after their 250-mile (400km) away day to Rochdale was rained off for the second time.

The National League tie was being won by the hosts 2-1 before it was abandoned in the 77th minute on Saturday.

It followed many fans making their way to the Crown Oil Arena in September, only for the game to be postponed due to heavy rainfall less than two and half hours before kick-off.

Hoping their next meeting would be third time lucky, supporters group Shrimpers Trust said: "At this or any level, this is unacceptable."

Both sets of players were taken off the pitch as the conditions deteriorated in the latest fixture.

After a 25-minute delay and work by the grounds team, referee Andrew Humphries deemed the surface unplayable.

Southend United fans singing in a stand. Some have their arms outstretched. In the foreground there are people in security high-vis vests, with their backs turned.
Away fans should be given more consideration, the Shrimpers Trust said [Getty Images]

In its statement, the Shrimpers Trust said it was clear before kick-off the pitch would deteriorate due to the weather.

"Postponement decisions need to be made earlier, even if it results in an overly-cautious approach," it said.

"Away fans need to be more carefully considered across the pyramid and receive better communication.

"Travelling across the country to support your team isn't cheap, especially in the run-up to Christmas and especially when a wasted journey is made twice."

The trust called on Rochdale AFC to offer discounted tickets when the fixture is rearranged once again, subsidise coach travel or pay an immediate refund.

"We will follow Southend, whatever the weather, but we feel that this ongoing situation needs urgent support from those in charge of the game," it added.

Southend United, Rochdale AFC and the National League have been contacted for comment.

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Category: General Sports