Championship drama: Abandonments on cards after what happened with Leeds United
Keith Hackett insists that abandonments could happen this week after the intense fog that clouded the Leeds United win at Stoke on Boxing Day.
The Whites cruised to a 2-0 victory at the Bet365 Stadium on 26 December, but Sky Sports’ commentators joked it could be called off if the weather got any worse.
Hackett, an ex-PGMOL chief and FIFA referee has shared the protocol behind calling off a game because of the weather, with officials doing everything they can to finish once it has started.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News when asked if abandonments could follow this week, he said: “Yes – and the rule of thumb that the referee takes is to 1. Talk with the local Met Office and get an updated forecast and how it will develop over the next three hours.
“2. You determine where the home and away fans are in their journey liaising with the Ground Commander.
“3. You advise the Secretary of the club not to let the fans into the ground.
“4. You stand behind one goal high in the stand. You then check if you can see the goal at the opposite end of the ground. If you cannot see then you do not go ahead.
“The club secretary will liaise with the media including local broadcasting to get messages out that the game has been abandoned.
Championship games to be abandoned after Leeds United?
“If the fog comes in during the course of the game you do everything in your power to bring the game to an end at the 90-minute plus time scale.
“If however, it gets so bad you again liaise with the ground commander advising him that you are going to abandon the game. You continue the game for a few minutes to allow the exit gates to be open, and police get in position to organise the safe egress from the stadium.”
It is all about momentum now for Leeds and Daniel Farke.
After going top of the Championship with the win at Stoke, a trip to Derby so soon after on 29 December is perfect to keep that going ahead of 2025.
With the likes of Burnley, Sunderland and Sheffield United playing each other in this period, any abandonments would not be welcomed.
In other Leeds United news, Jorge Mendes is now involved as the Whites table a monster bid for their first January signing
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