Charlton boss' admission on postponed League One game against Portsmouth

The Blues’ trip to The Valley was postponed just an hour before kick-off because of a heavy pitch.

Referee Bobby Madley admitted he put the health and safety of the players first and thought cancelling the game was necessary.

Addicks boss Lee Bowyer was frustrated the encounter was scrapped, but felt it was the correct decision to do so.

Speaking to Charlton’s website, he said: ‘I think it's the right decision. It's dangerous, the ball won't bounce at all and it's going to get worse.

‘It's dangerous to play and I think the referee has made the right call. We're trying to cram games in as it is. We didn't want it called off, Portsmouth didn't – we all wanted it to go ahead.

‘I've spoken to Kenny Jackett and we all wanted to play. They travelled up last night and stayed in a hotel and will have to do that again. They have got a lot of games to play.

‘The conditions would have been up my street (as a player) but unfortunately it didn't happen.

‘We couldn't even train on Friday at the training ground because there were puddles everywhere, so hopefully it stops raining.

‘The plan was to give the players Sunday and Monday off because there has been a lot of travelling. Obviously, we will be in on Monday now.’

The fixture has been quickly rearranged and will now go ahead on Tuesday (7pm kick-off).

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