Sir Bobby furious with Boro

Last updated : 02 February 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Local referee Jeff Winter visited the Riverside on Friday and declared the pitch playable but the game was cancelled because of the snow on the terraces and approach roads.

Of course there was a thaw forecast, but Boro had both Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu out injured and we are in fine form.

Sir Bobby told Football Focus: "I am absolutely furious. How they can call a match off on the Friday beats me.

"There's been very little will shown by Middlesbrough to play the match and they even turned down our request to play it on Tuesday.

"I wouldn't rule out us taking the matter further."

It has since emerged that Newcastle offered Boro the chance to play the game on Tuesday, only to be told that they had sent their players away for a break.

Lets hope the FA remember what penalties they imposed on the Smoggie cheats last time they postponed a game without good reason.