East Fife’s Irn-Bru Cup tie with Bohemians called off minutes before kick-off

East Fife’s Irn-Bru Challenge Cup quarter final away to Dublin-based Bohemians has been called off due to a frozen pitch, only minutes before it was due to start.

East Fife's Jonny Court and Scott Linton with the Irn Bru Challenge Cup. Pic: SNS/Bill Murray

The postponement will cause a fixture headache for the SPFL, who initially postponed the fixture in October to accommodate the League of Ireland side. The cup clash was originally scheduled for Saturday November 17, but Bohemians season ended a month earlier, in late October.

With a semi final between Ross County and the winner of the outstanding tie due to be played on 15th February, there is limited time for the SPFL to re-arrange the fixture.

East Fife released a statement following the postponement.

It said: “The match referee inspected the pitch at 1.30 pm and was not satisfied that it was in a safe condition at that time but was willing to give the game a chance by delaying a decision to nearer kick off. After discussions between officials and management from both sides, along with input from the SPFL and FAI, the decision was taken to call the game off.

“During these discussions, the possibility of playing the match later this evening or tomorrow morning on an artificial surface was explored but no suitable alternative could be found. The SPFL will now meet on Monday to decide the next steps, after which we will provide an update.

“The club can only apologies to the hundred of fans who travelled over to Dublin to support the team and fully appreciate the expense incurred.”