The game was due to start at noon but was postponed due to a partially-frozen pitch at Bramall Lane after a pitch inspection where officials deemed a section of the surface unplayable.
The majority of supporters were either already in Sheffield or en route and have been forced to head back to Oxford at very late notice.
United issued a statement to Yellows fans announcing the cancellation, stating that ticketing information will be communicated in due course.
Oxford United away support at Carrow Road (Image: Mike Allen)
Fans immediately voiced their frustrations which were mostly aimed at the Sheffield club for not resolving the issue or coming to a decision earlier.
One fan said they had just parked in the city before seeing the news, with some Blades fans issuing their sympathies to the travelling U’s fans.
The timing and nature of the decision has been considered strange due to the fact that the stadium has undersoil heating yet the pitch is still partially frozen.
Called off less than two hours before kickoff. The temperatures have been this low for a few days yet no inspection announced. But the ref was still taking a look at least two hours before even though there’s undersoil. Something odd has gone #OUFC https://t.co/xleKONUcQl
— Jack Shoemark (@CaptainOx) January 4, 2026
One fan, who spoke to BBC Oxford Sport on X, expressed her anger at the occurrence: “Absolutely livid. Our players are ready to go. Fans are ready to go. Two hours before the game. It should’ve been done last night.
“Most games were called off early hours of six or seven o’clock this morning, not 10 o’clock when our players are due at the stadium. Absolutely disgusting.
“It’s my son’s 17th [birthday]. We were up here as a surprise for him and once again [we have] been let down and Sheffield are to blame for it.”
Oxford United fans tell @BBCOxford about their frustrations following the postponement of the game at Sheff Utd. #oufc pic.twitter.com/Iqp8YMrMBP
— BBC Oxford Sport (@bbcoxfordsport) January 4, 2026
Another fan said: “I Googled last night whether they have undersoil heating here, and they have, so did someone forget their 50 pence? Why is the pitch frozen?
“I’ve got no issue with the ref. He’s got to make a decision based on safety. I’ve got an issue with Sheffield United. There’s no reason why that pitch shouldn’t be frozen.
READ MORE: Oxford United rival sees Championship game postponed
“We’ve literally just arrived at the stadium and a steward walked up [and told us]…we almost thought it was a joke.”
“I personally think Sheffield United should be reimbursing the fans because it’s their fault and not ours if they’ve got undersoil heating and haven’t utilised it.”
An announcement regarding the game’s rescheduling will be issued in due course.