The Sydney A-League derby between Sydney FC and Western Sydney has been postponed due to torrential rain in the Sydney basin, Football Federation Australia announced.
Rain is forecast to continue after bucketing down in Sydney for the last 48 hours, and after assessment of Netstrata Jubilee Stadium as well as consultations with Sydney FC, the Wanderers and match officials, the fixture has been called off.
“With over 100mm of rain falling in the Sydney area over the past two days, and in the interest of player welfare, all parties agreed that it was not possible to play the match as scheduled today,” said FFA Head of Leagues, Greg O’Rourke.
“Whilst it is disappointing that a nearly sold-out crowd is unable to see another iconic Sydney derby today, this was the right decision to give fans as much notice as possible under the circumstances.”
The match will be rescheduled for a date to be announced.
anon
Roar Pro
Crazy decision. Shambolic.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Anyone who has actually gone to Kogarah and knows a bit about the world would actually know what the major concern would have been and no one has mentioned it here. I dont know what the ground drainage is like for starters but the big concern would be over the hill, it hasn't got a great grass covering and if it got a sudden very heavy downpour on top of existing rain it could end up as a muddy disaster. The paddock at the southern end where the southern entry goes through and the rest of the ground slopes away to is not suitable for a proper venue. I could see it being waterlogged very easily. I get the feeling you would find some primary schools kids with more common sense .
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
the game shouldve been played FFA are totally wrong on this one.we laughing stock of football.they are paid very well the players.FFA wake up please.
Buddy
Roar Rookie
I note that the whole of the Dutch and Belgian leagues have postponed games this weekend in anticipation of a storm. It hasn’t happened yet but will do according to the weather forecast and so they are taking preventative action. Times have changed.
Samuel Power
Roar Rookie
Stadium Australia says hi
Kevin
Roar Rookie
I’ve seen A-League games played in worse weather before anyway.
Coastyboi
Guest
Well, I’ve got creamy egg on my face, folks. I didn’t rate the BBL to be played due to rain, but I was wrong, & the Sixers won. Then I bragged about the A-League derby (FC vs WSW) & it’s unlikely cancelation due to bad weather. My word, how precious can our footballers be? Please, someone build a stadium in Sydney with a roof!
Robin
Guest
SYD v WSW postponed - really FFA said the reason was "player and spectator safety" - really Football is a winter game, we just happen to play it in summer Most people reading this will have played football in driving rain on a muddy pitch Yes, it would be difficult Yes, it would spoil the spectacle, but call it off - you have to be joking The AFL women were able to play, but not our precious footballers! The Big Bash cricket was played, but not our precious footballers! So it was safe to play cricket but not safe to play football And we wonder why the other codes laugh at us Grow a pair FFA
Kevin
Roar Rookie
If I were the A-League this is how I would reschedule it: (Wed 26th Feb) 7:30pm Sydney vs Wellington JO (Previously Friday 28th Feb) (Fri 28th Feb) 7:30pm Newcastle vs Perth MJS (Previously Saturday 29th Feb) (Sat 28th Feb) 5:00pm Sydney vs Western Sydney JO (Previously Saturday 8th Feb)