York’s compensation calls falling on deaf ears

APPEALS for compensation from York City are falling on deaf ears at Kenilworth Road, writes Mark Wood.

The Minsterman have announced that they are looking for their supporters to be compensated after their game at Luton was abandoned after 56 minutes on Saturday.

A second half blizzard caused the game to be called off, but Hatters director Stephen Browne has defended the referee for letting the game go ahead.

Police, fire and ambulance services would all have had a say in the game going ahead along with the FA and referee.

Browne, pictured, said: “The first consideration was the pitch and that wasn’t in a bad condition.

“I was out there before kick off, it was soft and there were no frozen areas.

“When the game kicked off the information the referee had was the pitch was playable. The FA have their own Met Office reports which were passed on to the referee.

“I don’t believe the FA expects referees to become weather forecasters and experts on the surrounding areas.

“It’s their job to get the game on. It’s British weather and what can you do about British weather?”

Browne praised the managers and referee for coming to a quick decision to abandon the game, saying: “I think they were right to start the game and right to abandon the game.”

A total of 201 City fans made the 180-mile trip, while the Minstermen were also faced with a £1,300 bill for an overnight stay.

York now plan to contact the Conference board over the matter, with communications director Sophie Hicks saying: “The board and the management are investigating the situation and all the factors and circumstances surrounding it. “We intend to discuss the matter with the Conference and to get the best deal and a positive outcome for our supporters regarding the next fixture.”

But Browne hit back adding: “She wasn’t there and wasn’t part of it and unlike her fans didn’t travel to the game.

“I’m very surprised she can undertake such an investigation when she didn’t see it herself.

“As far as compensation goes many clubs had the same problem.

“That happens every week, week in, week out, fans are travelling.

“Everybody was put out to some degree.

“Fans of Luton were travelling long distances and had long journeys home.

“It’s just the weather.

“Who they think they are going to claim from I have no idea.”