Charlton Pitch Battle

Last updated : 15 January 2003 By -

Peter Varney, following his side’s woeful performance has today declared that Chelsea never told his club that the game would be played on an artificial sand surface, contrary to FA rules. Really……

Varney told Charlton's official website: "On arrival at Stamford Bridge at 1.30pm, we were advised by Chelsea officials that the game was in doubt and the pitch was being inspected by the match referee, Mike Dean.

"Alan Curbishley immediately raised the matter with the referee and was advised the pitch met the league criteria of 'being flat' and on this basis the match would go ahead.

"Neither the referee, the FA Premier League or ourselves had been pre-notified of the change in pitch surface.

"We were not offered an opportunity for our players to train on the artificial surface to judge the effect of the bounce of the ball. Video evidence will show was different to a normal grass surface, and to make decisions on the appropriate footwear to be worn.

"Following discussions with our manager and players and based on information provided by Chelsea officials and all the evidence before us, we have reached the conclusion that in the interests of the integrity of the FA Premier League competition and sportsmanship between clubs, we must lodge a formal complaint to the FA Premier League regarding last Saturday's match.

"In the light of the evidence available, we are requesting that the match be replayed on a grass surface.''

Prior to last Saturday’s game it was the general consensus that the "beach" would rather suit/benefit Charlton’s direct, long ball game and maybe disadvantage Chelsea’s passing game. However now it seems that following the 4-1 humiliation Charlton would rather find an alternate excuse for their lame performance. Get a life……

stevefurlong@chelsea-mad.co.uk