Burst pipes end Owls hopes of finishing the year on a high

The Owls stadium operations manager John Rutherford said: "The current cold spell has led to frozen and burst pipes in toilets and refreshment kiosks within the stadium, which led the club to refer the situation to the Safety Advisory Group, chaired by Sheffield City Council.

"They recommended no spectators be admitted until all repairs are carried out and the club's maintenance team is unable to carry out these repairs in the sub-zero temperatures with further bursts anticipated when the thaw begins.

"This is a huge disappointment for everyone at the club," he added. These holiday fixtures are always popular and well supported, but this is a situation entirely beyond our control."

The Owls' Boxing Day trip to Tranmere Rovers has also been postponed because of a frozen pitch at Prenton Park, meaning they will not be in action again until January 3.