The League One clash between Wigan Athletic and Huddersfield Town has been postponed.
The drastic measure was taken due to ‘severe localised flooding.’
“Heavy rainfall over Tuesday night has made roads treacherous in the area, although the playing surface at the Brick Community Stadium was deemed playable,” Wigan said in a statement.
“However, safety concerns regarding the public areas surrounding the ground and the strain on local emergency services dealing with a number of major incidents, which have been affected by severe flooding, led to the league fixture being called off.
“Access to the area is severely restricted with many access routes closed due to flooding, and the emergency services are unable to provide resources to support the matchday operation.”
Wigan confirmed an update on a re-arranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course.
A handful of Wigan fans voiced their displeasure at the club’s decision to postpone the match on social media.
However, Wigan Observer deputy sports editor Paul Kendrick shared concerning images of the surrounding area that showed just how dangerous it may have been for fans to get to the venue.
Several flood warnings had been put in place from Greater Manchester from December 31 to January 1 as the region was hit with torrential rain.
The Met Office instructed people in the areas to expect flooding ‘leading to difficult driving conditions’ as well as some road closures.
Locals were also warned ‘fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life’.
Prior to the fixture, Wigan sat 16th in the League One table on 27 points, five clear of the relegation zone.
@PKendrickWIG on XThe surrounding area near Wigan’s stadium was underwater[/caption]
@PKendrickWIG on XAlthough some fans were left frustrated, the weather could have proved treacherous for some[/caption]
Wigan went into the fixture on the back of a strong run, winning two of their last four matches.
The only defeat in that run came away to promotion hopefuls Wrexham, with former Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher scoring a 91st-minute winner to break the Latics’ hearts.
Wigan will hope the flooding near the stadium subsides in time for their next fixture as they are due to host league leaders Birmingham City on January 4.
Although Wigan were unable to play their fixture against Huddersfield, they were able to announce a new signing.
Maloney’s side snapped up defender Josh Robinson from Arsenal on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
Robinson, who can play at centre-back or right-back, did not make a senior appearance for the Gunners but was named on the bench for four of Arsenal’s six Champions League matches this season.
As for Huddersfield Town, they lie fourth on the ladder and are two places away from automatic promotion back to the Championship.
The Terriers are hoping for an instant return to the second tier having finished 23rd last season.
It is a staggering fall given Huddersfield were only in the Premier League as recently as 2019.