Pontefract Collieries manager Nick Handley said he had never seen anything like it after his side’s cup match was called off as the match officials failed to turn up
The West Riding County Cup first round clash between Liversedge and Pontefract Collieries at Clayborn was bizarrely postponed after the match officials failed to show up.
Both teams had even warmed up before the postponement was announced. It is currently unclear why no officials arrived for the tie.
Pontefract manager Nick Handley said: “I need to reserve judgement until an investigation has been carried out by the WRFA and both clubs.
“In all my years at this level of football I have never known anything like it.
“It has wasted what was supposed to be a rare free weekend for players and club members during a busy football season.
“I also feel for the fans that travelled to the match.
“For whatever the reason both clubs have lost out financially due to expenses etc and that should be reimbursed by someone.
“Everything was set up for a good game after our match against Liversedge a few weeks ago.
“We were looking forward to the game as we found some consistency finally and by the time we play Bridlington on Tuesday next week we won’t have played for ten days.”
The West Riding County FA have confirmed on Twitter that an investigation is underway.
Liversedge have said that they will comment when the West Riding’s investigation is complete.
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County FA Cup Rules
6 Officials (Referee and Assistant Referees)
6.1 Appointments
Referees and, where the Council determines, neutral Assistant Referees
and a Fourth Official shall be appointed by the Council.
Where Assistant Officials Referees are not appointed, each Club shall appoint one Club Assistant Referee. Failure to do so will result in the Club being fined accordance with the Standard Fines list (Standard Fine 3). Where the appointed Referee or Assistant Referee fails to appear. Or is unable to continue with his/her duties, both Clubs must agree, in writing, to replacement Match Official. Clubs failing to agree shall be liable to a fine in accordance with the fines detailed in the Standard Fines List (Standard Fine 4).
In the case of postponed or abandoned matches, the match officials appointed for the original game shall be expected to officiate the re-arranged game
The home Club shall provide 2 x Assistant Referees flags for use of either club Assistant Referees or assistant Referees as applicable. Clubs failing to comply with this decision shall be fined in accordance with the fines detailed in the Standard Fines list (Standard Fine 5)
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