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Derby County adamant they did everything right over Cardiff postponement

Pride Park Stadium was hampered by severe weather on Sunday

Derby County are adamant they followed the correct procedures, and that they had all the necessary approvals from the authorities and emergency services when they postponed their match against Cardiff City at Pride Park on Sunday.

Neil Warnock called Derby's decision "a disgrace", and said he expected the game to be called off because Gary Rowett had a host of injury problems.

Sky Sports News understands Derby are angry at Warnock's comments, and the club rejects any suggestion that the postponement was made for any other reason than the health and safety of supporters.

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Derbyshire police had already issued advice to everyone in the county not to travel on Sunday unless "absolutely necessary" when at 6.45am Derby's Stadium Safety Manager decided the areas around the ground were unsafe following heavy overnight snow.

At 7am, a Derby Director assessed the surrounding areas, agreed with the assessment and began making plans to postpone the game.

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Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock calls the decision to cancel Sunday's Championship match at Derby a

Derby say they had staff based at the stadium overnight, to prevent any pipes from bursting, and to clear the main car park areas. But they had a number of phone calls from stewards on Sunday morning, saying they couldn't get to the stadium because of the snow.

At 7:20am, Derby told the police Gold Match Commander they wanted to postpone the game, and a conference call was held with senior officers at the fire and ambulance service. Derby say all the emergency services were in agreement that the game should be called off. The decision was then ratified by the Safety Advisory Group.

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Derby say Cardiff were informed of the decision around 8am, and the police announced the postponement at 8.15am before both clubs made statements to their supporters at 8.30am.

Derby play Sunderland in the Sky Bet Championship on Friday March 30. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event at 7:30pm.

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