{"id":673431,"date":"2026-01-04T14:29:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T14:29:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/673431\/"},"modified":"2026-01-04T14:29:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T14:29:10","slug":"oxford-united-fans-hit-out-at-sheffield-united-postponement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/673431\/","title":{"rendered":"Oxford United fans hit out at Sheffield United postponement"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n 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.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

\n 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.\n<\/p>\n

\n United issued a statement to Yellows fans announcing the cancellation, stating that ticketing information will be communicated in due course.\n<\/p>\n

\n Oxford United away support at Carrow Road (Image: Mike Allen)\n<\/p>\n

\n Fans immediately voiced their frustrations which were mostly aimed at the Sheffield club for not resolving the issue or coming to a decision earlier.\n<\/p>\n

\n 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.\n<\/p>\n

\n 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.\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n 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<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/xleKONUcQl<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

\n \u2014 Jack Shoemark (@CaptainOx) January 4, 2026<\/a>\n <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n 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\u2019ve been done last night.\n<\/p>\n

\n “Most games were called off early hours of six or seven o\u2019clock this morning, not 10 o\u2019clock when our players are due at the stadium. Absolutely disgusting.\n<\/p>\n

\n “It\u2019s my son\u2019s 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.”\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n Oxford United fans tell \u2066@BBCOxford<\/a>\u2069 about their frustrations following the postponement of the game at Sheff Utd. #oufc<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Iqp8YMrMBP<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

\n \u2014 BBC Oxford Sport (@bbcoxfordsport) January 4, 2026<\/a>\n <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n 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?\n<\/p>\n

\n “I\u2019ve got no issue with the ref. He\u2019s got to make a decision based on safety. I\u2019ve got an issue with Sheffield United. There\u2019s no reason why that pitch shouldn\u2019t be frozen.\n<\/p>\n

\n READ MORE: Oxford United rival sees Championship game postponed<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

\n “We\u2019ve literally just arrived at the stadium and a steward walked up [and told us]\u2026we almost thought it was a joke.”\n<\/p>\n

\n “I personally think Sheffield United should be reimbursing the fans because it\u2019s their fault and not ours if they\u2019ve got undersoil heating and haven\u2019t utilised it.”\n<\/p>\n

\n An announcement regarding the game’s rescheduling will be issued in due course.\n<\/p>\n