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Cardiff boss Neil Warnock describes Derby postponement a 'disgrace'

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Cardiff boss Neil Warnock says the decision to postpone their match against Derby has left a sour taste

Cardiff boss Neil Warnock has described the decision to postpone their fixture against Derby in the Championship as a "disgrace".

The match was scheduled for a midday kick-off on Sunday, but with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures police and Derby officials cited safety concerns for the cancellation.

Cardiff, who came into the fixture on a seven-match winning run, could have reduced the deficit to league leaders Wolves to three points with victory at Pride Park.

CARDIFF, WALES - MARCH 10: during the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City and Birmingham City at the Cardiff City Stadium on March 10, 2018 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)
Image: Neil Warnock was left fuming with the decision to postpone the game

"It's a disgrace quite frankly," Warnock told Sky Sports News.

"I am sorry, I can't accept that today - it's not safe? We have come out from the middle of the countryside in the coach and the roads have been perfectly all right, so I just don't know where they are coming from with this.

"It leaves a sour taste for all the people that have travelled."

Sky Sports News approached Derby for a response but they declined to comment.

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Opposition manager Gary Rowett has suffered injury problems this week with only 10 senior players fit to train on Friday, according to reports, and Warnock admitted he could have predicted the game to be called off.

Derby manager Gary Rowett
Image: Derby manager Gary Rowett has suffered from injury woes to his squad

"I am very disappointed obviously," he added. "I am not overly surprised if I am honest. When I heard Gary's remarks earlier in the week if we can get over this weekend's injury crisis with this game we should be all right after the event.

"You look at the game two weeks ago against Fulham here, it was 10 times worse. There were snow ploughs outside.

"As you see here the car parks are clear, all the shops are open. We have got some of our fans outside that have travelled some distance.

"We have got some Derby fans outside that have come from miles away and you see all the comments."

The EFL said in a statement the decision was made "first thing this morning following discussions between Derby County, Derbyshire Police and the local Safety Advisory Group."

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