Blackpool v Manchester United called off

Blackpool's televised Barclays Premier League match against Manchester United tomorrow has been postponed because of concerns about the Bloomfield Road pitch.

Temperatures dipped below minus eight last night meaning the Seasiders' attempts to make the pitch playable, using protective covering and hot-air blowers, were in vain.

The match was officially called off this afternoon after referee Peter Walton carried out an inspection this afternoon.

A statement on the club's website, www.blackpoolfc.co.uk, read: "Mr Walton expressed concern that the severely affected areas of the playing surface would not thaw sufficiently for the game to be completed."

This weekend's Football League programme has been ravaged by the weather, but this was the first Premier League game to fall.