Rotherham’s Championship game with Ipswich on Friday has been postponed due to Storm Babet.
The area has been hit with torrential rain over the last 24 hours and the River Don, which runs behind the AESSEAL New York Stadium has burst its banks.
That has left areas around the stadium flooded and after discussions with the Safety Advisory Group and the English Football League, the game has been called off.
There was no problem with the pitch at the stadium, with the game due to have been shown on Sky Sports.
A club statement read: ‘Rotherham United’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Ipswich Town has been postponed on the grounds of supporter safety following discussions with representatives from the Safety Advisory Group and the EFL which took place shortly after 4:30pm on Friday.
Areas around Rotherham’s stadium flooded after the River Don burst its banks following torrential rain over the last 24 hours
After the River Don – which courses around the perimeter of AESSEAL New York Stadium – burst its banks, urgent discussions between representatives from the Safety Advisory Group/Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and club safety personnel and the EFL – were held with the conclusion deeming the weather conditions and their subsequent effect on the surrounding area a danger to supporters.
‘This coupled with continued rainfall resulting in the flood waters rising and Don Street being closed to the public left the authorities with no choice but to postpone the game.
‘Throughout the day the pitch at AESSEAL New York Stadium has remained playable but with the safety of everyone attending the match at the height of our priorities, the difficult decision to postpone the fixture has been taken.
‘The decision was relayed to the EFL and our counterparts at Ipswich Town with all parties in agreement that postponing the fixture was the only possible way to ensure the safety of players, staff and supporters.
‘It goes without saying that we are obviously disappointed for supporters due to attend and those set to watch at home given the game was being broadcast live on Sky Sports.’
Two cinch Premiership matches are among six Scottish league games which have been postponed amid severe weather warnings.
