Grouville called off Saturday’s Division I match, against St Peter at Le Boulivot because of a waterlogged pitch and former professional Jon Trigg, St Peter’s manager, has called the decision into question.
Trigg said: ‘It’s Monday morning and I am still fuming now.
‘The Combination’s rule, allowing a team to postpone a match prior to kick off without any consultation with the match officials or opposition, requires serious review.
‘The game was postponed minutes before the deadline of 12 noon.
I personally reviewed the pitch shortly after notification and again at 2 pm and was flabbergasted by the decision.
‘I have been involved in football long enough at a local and professional level to be able to tell when a pitch is unplayable or there is a risk that the pitch would be ruined for the remainder of the season – something nobody wants.
‘Saturday’s events have left a bitter taste in my mouth.
‘I cannot believe this is allowed to happen.
No manager should have the power to postpone games to suit circumstances and if this is allowed to be swept under the carpet I want nothing more to do with Jersey football.
‘I went back to the pitch at 2 pm to take photographs.
‘Clubs should not be able to call off their own games.
There are enough referees in this Island to make that decision and the decision would be impartial, therefore it would come back on no-one.’ Grouville secretary Bob Richardson said: ‘We did what the league expects us to do by following procedure.
Our president, who looks after the pitch, was out forking it at 8.30 am.
‘He was due back at 11.30 am for a further inspection but due to being called out for a parish duty he was unable to attend.
A vice-president was called in and he made his decision purely on the condition of the pitch.
‘People have different views with inspections – our Reserve team fixture at Trinity was called off because of a waterlogged pitch and we accepted that decision with nothing said.’
