Tykes clash with Oldham called off

Oakwell may be bathed in the sunshine, but the accompanying freezing temperatures mean the pitch has been deemed unfit to play on for the League One clash against Oldham Athetlic tonight.

A local referee made the decision this morning after inspecting the playing surface at Oakwell – when it was deemed it would be unplayable for tonight’s game.

Reds Chief Executive Ben Mansford said, “It is unfortunate but the referee has a decision to make with concerns of player safety.

“Our undersoil heating has been running since Boxing Day, but with sub-zero temperatures expected by kick-off tonight, the pitch will certainly be unplayable.

“Our staff and Barnsley Council have worked tirelessly over the weekend to give the game a best possible chance of going ahead, but we can’t control the weather.

“The issue is not the snowfall but the very low temperatures which means the snow has frozen and turned into ice, which will not thaw in these temperatures.

“Although Barnsley Council have gritted the roads and car park, the lack of traffic on the local roads means that the salt and grit have not been able to take effect.”

A new date for this fixture will be confirmed in the near future.