Ref Iain Brinnes says he had to call-off game with Dundee United

Dec 24 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

REFEREE Iain Brines insists he had no choice but to declare a late call-off of Saturday’s SPL match between Hamilton and Dundee United at New Douglas Park.

And he says it’s the first time he has abandoned a match so close to kick-off in his 20 years as a referee.

Having spoken to both Accies boss Billy Reid and United manager Craig Levein, and consulted with police, Brines called the match off at 2.45pm when heavy snow blanketed the pitch.

Safety of players was a key factor, he explained, in his decision.

Brines (42), said: “In the end, it was an easy decision to make; the safety of players is obviously paramount in these decisions regarding the go-ahead of a game.

“But the conditions outwith sporting grounds are also taken into account and, after talking to the police, it was decided that it was best for all concerned that we didn’t proceed with the game.

“The police expressed concerns regarding the main routes into Hamilton and also outwith, bearing in mind that we had supporters travelling from Dundee who had to get home as well.

“There was no argument from anybody, everybody was happy with the decision, so to speak.

“But that’s the latest I’ve called off a game and it’s the first time I’ve abandoned a match.

“I’ve never been in a situation before that resulted in a game being called off so late.”