Gracia's verdict on late call-off

Hull City vs Blackburn

- By BARRY COOPER

Ice in front of Hull City's dugout before the clash with Watford

(SMARTFRAME/ PRO SPORTS IMAGES)

WATFORD head coach Javi Gracia has spoken for the first time about the decision to call off the Hornets’ game at Hull City last Sunday, less than 20 minutes before kickoff.

Both teams were out warming up on the MKM Stadium playing surface, which had been deemed playable by referee Anthony Backhouse, but concerns were raised about the amount of ice surrounding the pitch.

Ground staff were trying to thaw out the edges of the pitch, which were not protected by the undersoil heating, to no avail, with the referee ultimately calling the game off with the first announcement made at 2.42pm.