Late postponement may cost Bohs €40k
It is being reported that the late postponement of Bohemians' clash with Shamrock Rovers could cost the club around €40,000.
The biggest fixture in Irish domestic soccer was called off late after referee Thomas Connolly decided the pitch was unplayable due to extensive damage around the penatly spot at the Tramway End of Dalymount Park.
The decision was made less than an hour before kick-off, despite both managers being happy to play the game.
The referee said: "There was work carried out on the pitch three hours before kick-off and it has left the pitch in an unsafe condition for the players.
"I spoke personally with the groundsman and he informed me that it takes eight days for sand to bed down. If any part of that pitch is unsafe, I have a duty of care for the players."
Bohemians had beaten Drogheda in a league match on the pitch on Friday night, and the pitch had got the go-ahead that night, although concerns were raised with them over an area around the penalty spot.
The Dublin derby was expected to approach a sell-out with the first meeting of Pat Fenlon and his former club Bohemians as the new Shamrock Rovers manager.
Close to 1,000 Shamrock Rovers supporters were due to make the journey across the city to Phibsboro.
Gardaí were seen speaking to the referee before he made his final decision to postpone.
The FAI released a statement explaining the decision: "The Football Association of Ireland today (August 18) confirmed that following a pitch inspection, this evening’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division game between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers has been postponed.
"The decision was made by Tomás Connolly, the referee in charge of the fixture, after he inspected the pitch and deemed it unplayable due to repair work that has been carried out inappropriately.
"A new date for the fixture will be announced in due course."
