The owner of Accrington Stanley, Andy Holt, is demanding a rule change regarding pitch inspections in the English Football League (EFL). Holt's team's Bristol Street Motors Trophy match against Lincoln City was postponed just one minute after the scheduled kick-off time due to a frozen pitch. This decision left several Lincoln fans furious after making the 130-mile trip to Lancashire. Holt quickly apologized for the postponement and suggested that the EFL implement a new rule to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Fans Demand Refunds

Many Lincoln fans took to social media to express their anger and demand refunds for the match. One fan wrote, "Get our fans refunded, what a joke. You've had all day." Another fan called the situation "an absolute shambles."

EFL Owner Speaks Out

Accrington Stanley chairman Andy Holt wasted no time in offering his apologies and advocating for a rule change. He criticized the referee's decision, stating that the pitch could not have deteriorated significantly in the hour and a half leading up to kick-off. Holt took to Twitter to voice his concerns, saying, "Dreadful decision by Ref. Calling it off at Kick-off time. Ground can't have got much worse than an hour and a half ago. Needs stopping this shambles. Fans need proper notice. Apologies to all fans home and away."

Support for Rule Change

Several fans agreed with Holt's call for a new rule. One fan suggested that the game should be called off within a certain time frame, allowing away fans to be notified well in advance. Holt responded, "I agree." Another fan expressed sympathy for Accrington Stanley, stating, "Feel for you with the officials putting your club in this position."

Accrington Stanley currently sits ninth in League Two, while Lincoln City is ninth in League One.