Storm Darragh: Linfield chairman McGivern slams ‘shambolic’ late postponement
Linfield chairman Roy McGivern has slammed the postponement of his side’s Irish Premier League match against Dungannon Swifts at Stanmore Park.
When the decision was confirmed at 13:50 GMT (one hour and 10 minutes before scheduled kick-off), many Blues supporters had already gone to watch the game, with many more on their way.
Cliftonville and Carrick Rangers’ game at Solitude was postponed just 15 minutes before Coleraine and Portadown played later in the day The match scheduled to kick off at 17:00 was canceled at 15:50.
A yellow weather warning for high winds caused by Storm Dara was issued on Friday, but all six Premier League games were ultimately canceled on Saturday.
“The chaos is that our game was canceled and some fans were already on the field and the rest were still on the road,” McGivern said on X.
He added: “Questions need to be asked as to why this call was not made sooner.”
A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) said it had been consulting with clubs in recent days.
A spokesman revealed: “The NIFL has been consulting regularly with clubs on the current weather conditions since Friday morning and is seeking advice and updates from clubs.”
“While a small number of clubs wanted yesterday’s (Friday’s) game to be postponed for different reasons, the majority wanted to wait and do it this morning in accordance with league rules and due process and with sporting integrity and proximity in mind. Make smart decisions in the transfer window.
“Five games have been successfully played today (across the three divisions of the NIFL) but unfortunately the late arrival of the two games has disappointed everyone. Details of the rescheduling of today’s postponed games will be announced soon.”
