By Gareth James
Cardiff City are seeking answers after their match at Rotherham was abandoned in what the Millers’ manager Matt Taylor called “farcical circumstances”.
The Championship match was called off on Saturday in the 47th minute due to an unplayable pitch caused by heavy rainfall at the New York Stadium.
Cardiff had taken the lead through Jaden Philogene after only five minutes of play, but now face a tricky re-playing of the game within a crowded fixture last.
The Bluebirds are unhappy about the actions of the officials and the home club, but are so far yet to voice any public criticism.
Referee Oliver Langford initially suspended the game to allow the pitch time to drain, but after a period in the dressing rooms, the pitch had not cleared, and the game was abandoned following further inspection.
Cardiff game abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch when they were 1-0 up
Nothing to see here from the Rotherham ground staff….
— DragonBet (@DragonBetWales) March 18, 2023
Rotherham United released a statement stating that the decision would be reviewed in line with EFL regulations.
Following the abandonment of the game, the EFL confirmed that they would investigate the circumstances surrounding the decision.
Rotherham boss Taylor felt that the decision was the right one, given the conditions.
“It was farcical. The ball was getting stuck, and it was only a matter of time before a decision was made,” he said.
“If we had gone back out there two hours later, the players are in a huge position of risk, not from the pitch itself but from cooling down and warming up again.”
Cardiff City manager Sabri Lamouchi did not hold a press conference with the club restricting their view to a statement on their website which confirmed the postponement. “Further details will follow in due course,” it said.
Despite the disappointment, Taylor sympathised with the travelling supporters and confirmed that the fixture would be replayed.
“Sometimes there is nothing you can do about the weather. It was a downpour like we have never seen,” he added.
Pitch under water! 😮
Rotherham vs Cardiff City was abandoned after a freak storm at half-time 🌧️🌊 pic.twitter.com/ePbWXQjPCV
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 18, 2023