FC Cincinnati issued a statement Sept. 6 to fans about having to postpone its game at TQL Stadium a day earlier against D.C. United to a later date.
The match was postponed due to pitch conditions and player safety. There were two lightning delays and two rainstorms.
"To our fans who attended yesterday's match against D.C. United at TQL Stadium, we know it was a long, frustrating night and we are sorry for that experience," the statement from the club started. "Throughout the evening, we believed there would be an opportunity to safely play the match. However, persistent heavy rain and repeated lightning delays continued to interrupt those efforts."
"Player and fan safety is always our top priority and that's more than a general commitment," the
statement continued. "Repeated stop-and-start warm-ups, combined with a field surface that becomes unpredictable after sustained heavy rain, meaningfully raise the risk of serious injury."
"As the night progressed, match officials continuously evaluated field conditions and provided their assessment to Major League Soccer, who are the final decision makers," the statement added. "After determining the playing surface was no longer safe for competition, MLS made the decision to postpone the match. FCC then waited for the League to officially communicate the decision to all required parties for necessary coordination. While we were following league protocol, it left fans still in the building waiting longer for final word."
"We appreciate your patience, support and understanding," the statement concluded. "We're committed to learning from this to ensure a better experience for our fans in the future."
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: FC Cincinnati apologizes to fans for 'long, frustrating night'
