Rotherham v Ipswich off after River Don floods

Author: BBC Sport

Friday’s Championship match between Rotherham and Ipswich has been postponed after Storm Babet caused flooding by the stadium.

The River Don, which runs next to the New York Stadium, burst its banks on Friday afternoon after heavy rainfall.

Rotherham said the pitch remained playable but they were left with “no choice but to postpone the game”.

The decision to call the match off was announced at 17:00 BST, three hours before the game was scheduled to start.

“It goes without saying we are obviously disappointed for fans due to attend,” they said in club statement.

“After the River Don burst its banks, urgent discussions between representatives from the Safety Advisory Group/Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, South Yorkshire Police and club safety personnel and the EFL were held with the conclusion deeming the weather conditions and their subsequent effect on the surrounding area a danger to supporters.

“This coupled with continued rainfall resulting in the flood waters rising and Don Street being closed to the public left the authorities with no choice but to postpone the game.

“Throughout the day the pitch has remained playable but with the safety of everyone attending the match at the height of our priorities, the difficult decision to postpone the fixture has been taken.”

Second-placed Ipswich would have gone top of the table with a win against the Millers who are second-bottom.

This is the first EFL game to be called off this weekend as a result of Storm Babet but six fixtures in Scotland have already been postponed.

Three people have died, while homes have been flooded, schools closed and motorways and railway lines submerged as the storm batters the UK.

An amber warning for persistent heavy rain is in place until 06:00 BST on Saturday in South Yorkshire. Up to 60mm of rain is likely, with the potential for up to 120mm on higher ground, the Met Office said.