EFL match called off just 18 minutes before kick-off with blowtorch used in attempt to thaw ice

Hull City’s Championship clash against Watford has been postponed.

The match was due to kick off at 3pm.

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However, Hull announced on their social media at 2:42pm the contest would not go ahead as planned.

In a club statement, the Tigers confirmed the decision was made ‘due to player safety concerns.’

“While the pitch is playable and has been passed by the referee, areas surrounding the playing surface have been deemed unsafe,” the statement read.

“Although this has been constantly worked on, conditions haven’t improved and with temperatures continuing to fall, player safety cannot be guaranteed.”

The match was one of several EFL games which did not take place this weekend due to low temperatures across the country.

Ground staff at the MKM Stadium went to great lengths in their bid to get the game underway.

In footage captured by Sky Sports, staff members were seen using a blowtorch to thaw the ice on the area surrounding the pitch.

Despite their best efforts, it was to no avail.

Hull went into Sunday’s clash sitting sixth in the Championship, one spot behind Watford.

However, the Hornets are only ahead of their rivals in the table thanks to a superior goal difference as both sides boast a points tally of 41 after 25 games played.

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Watford had rocketed up into the play-off spots thanks to a four-straight victories.

More to follow…