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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Laura Hartley

Liverpool Women game at Chelsea abandoned after just SEVEN minutes

Liverpool Women have had their game against Chelsea abandoned after just seven minutes of play.

A pitch inspection took place at Kingsmeadow at 9.30am this morning, but the pitch was deemed playable and the game got the green light to go ahead despite temperatures not reaching above freezing.

Fans left Liverpool at 5am this morning to make the trip to the capital, and boos could be heard around the ground as the referee gathered the players and managers amid the dangerous playing conditions.

READ MORE: Matt Beard handed Katie Stengel injury boost as Liverpool look to bounce back from 'embarrassing' defeat

From the opening minutes, the dire state of the pitch was on full display as players slipped on the icy surface.

Frustration was audible from the supporters, coaches and players alike as the decision was announced. Emma Hayes approached the home fans to acknowledge their consternation but continued to emphasise the importance of protecting the players.

Matt Beard told BBC Two following the abandonment: "They said about the players slipping on several occasions. Both players from both sides have slipped. Like I said before, the game should have never gone ahead.

"I don't know why it took six or seven minutes to find out, it was frozen this morning, and frozen in warm up.

"I'm gutted for our fans, they set off at 5am this morning. Whoever makes the decision for the game to be on, it put players at risk today."

It's the second WSL match of the weekend to be called off after a decision was made to yesterday to call off the game at Brisbane Road between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City.

A new date will have to be found for the tie at Kingsmeadow to be replayed.

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