Blackburn Rovers’ friendly at Rochdale on Sunday has been called off.
The home club have taken the decision to protect their newly-laid pitch with a series of fixtures, both rugby and football, coming up.
It was due to be Rovers’ second friendly of the summer after their 2-1 win over National League Barrow on Saturday.
Now they are not scheduled to play until the trip to Mansfield on Wednesday, July 17.
Dale’s Crown Oil Arena will host a Rochdale Hornets rugby league game this Saturday, July 13 with football fixtures to come on July 17, 21 and 28.
There are also three rugby matches on July 28, August 4 and August 11 which run alongside four football games in 14 days as the new season kicks off.
That heavy schedule on a new surface has led to the cancellation.
"We would like to thank Blackburn Rovers for their understanding and co-operation on this matter and wish them good luck for the season ahead,” the League One club said in a statement.
"We would also like to apologise to both sets of supporters for any inconvenience caused.
"Anyone who has already purchased a ticket for the game is entitled to a full refund. Please contact the Rochdale Ticket Office to arrange your refund."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel