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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Matthew Weaver

Scratch of the day: local football season postponed due to ‘rock hard’ pitches

A dried-out football pitch seen from above.
Dried-out football pitches can be found across all England after high temperatures and no rain. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA

This summer’s record drought has forced a football league to delay the start of its season because “rock hard” pitches are a danger to its players.

The 2026/27 season in the Anglian Combination League of 85 amateur teams in Norfolk and Suffolk was due to start next weekend.

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