Blackburn tie with Aston Villa called off

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Freezing temperatures and heavy snow have forced the postponement of Blackburn Rovers' League Cup semi-final, first leg against Aston Villa tonight.

Despite the Ewood Park pitch being playable, club officials and local police decided to postpone the match because of dangerous travelling conditions across the north of England.

"The decision was taken in conjunction with the police match commander on the grounds of public safety," said a statement on Rovers website. "It is snowing heavily in Blackburn, as it has been all morning, and advice locally is not to travel unless it is absolutely neccessary."

The second semi-final between holders Manchester United and Manchester City is scheduled for Wednesday.