ANGRY Barrow plan to make an official complaint to the Football League after today's Sky Bet League Two game with Bradford Street at Holker Street was called off only an hour before kick-off.

Bluebirds boss Pete Wild slammed the decision of referee Tom Nield as “utter madness.”

Mr Nield’s inspection took place in bright sunshine and underneath blue skies. 

The worst affected area was in the sanded six-yard box at the Holker Street end of the ground where Mr Nield was concerned about lack of bounce and loose grass.

Frustrated fans, including 900 travelling from West Yorkshire, were left kicking their heels outside before news was relayed via social media.

But around 100 later watched on as the fourth-tier play-off contenders took part in an open training session on the ground.

“It is utter madness,” blasted Wild. “There is nothing wrong with the pitch.

"It’s the best it’s been for some time. Bradford players are saying it is better than their pitch.

“To call it off has let all the fans down: Bradford fans who have travelled up here, our fans. The amount of time and effort that goes into putting on these occasions but the officials and the EFL won’t be recompensing Barrow.

“The referee said the ball wasn’t bouncing and the grass was loose. Grass is loose on most League Two pitches in February and the ball doesn’t bounce.

“Anyone who was at Salford will have seen us play in a mud bath. And I went to Bradford’s game last Wednesday (EFL Trophy defeat by Wycombe) and that was similar.

“I think it is a kick in the teeth and the fans have been let down by the EFL and the officials.

“They asked mine and Graham Alexander’s opinions and we said the referee had to make the decision. It was unfair to put that on the managers.

“The referee is experienced and he has got to make the call. He said it wasn’t safe but I don’t get that.”

The club issued a statement on X which said: “We believe the pitch is in a playable state and we are extremely disappointed by this outcome.

“Following this matter we’ll put in a complaint towards the EFL.”

Bradford boss Graham Alexander said: “We came here prepared to play a game  of football. The corner of the pitch the referee is talking about is in bad condition, but the rest is fine.

“The referee has taken advice, and the decision is the decision. You don’t go through all our preparation not to play a game of football.

“But I can understand the referee’s decision. It is only a small part of the pitch but it is in the goal area where a lot of the action you hope will be.”