17 Nov 2017

Phoenix game postponed

6:42 am on 17 November 2017

Tomorrow's A-League match between the Wellington Phoenix and Western Sydney Wanderers has been postponed due to pitch condition at Wanderers' Spotless Stadium.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The grass surface at ground is presently going through a necessary seasonal transition from Rye (Winter) grass which has been sprayed out as per the annual schedule, to Couch (Summer) grass.

This is apparently an essential transition phase in multi-purpose sporting stadiums.

Some sections of the Spotless Stadium surface have not regenerated as hoped due to recent cooler weather and as a result the surface when this week inspected by club officials including CEO John Tsatsimas and Josep Gombau and Football Federation Australia officials and referees in the lead up to this weekend's game against Wellington Phoenix the pitch was considered not suitable for play.

An announcement on the confirmed details of this re-scheduled fixture will be made at a later time.

Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas after inspecting the pitch agreed that the surface was not suitable to host a Hyundai A-League match.

"While this is disappointing for our members and fans, the pitch condition is not what is required for a Hyundai A-League match and we cannot risk our players when the integrity of the surface is in question," said Tsatsimas.

"While best endeavours by the excellent staff at Spotless Stadium were made to get the pitch to playing quality, unfortunately we have had to make the mutual decision to postpone this match for the safety of our players and quality of the performance of our team."

It means the Phoenix' next game will be at home against Central Coast on November 25th.