Gary Rowett hits back at Neil Warnock over Derby’s postponed ‘Snowgate’ game by saying he did not know the Cardiff boss was a health and safety expert
Rams chief breaks silence to say he and the club did everything right as stewards could not get to the ground - after Warnock insists Derby's injury list was behind 'scandalous' decision
GARY ROWETT has taken a cheeky dig at Neil Warnock over ‘Snowgate’ and laughed off the Cardiff boss’s scathing criticism of Derby for postponing their March 18 clash at Pride Park.
Rowett finally broke his silence on the controversy and told BBC Radio Derby: “I know Neil is an excellent manager – I think he is a qualified referee – but I didn’t realise he was qualified in health and safety.”
Warnock was livid when the Rams called off their lunchtime Sky Bet Championship game shortly after 8am, due to a heavy overnight snowfall when many Cardiff fans were already on the road.
Warnock’s mood worsened when he arrived at the ground with his players and found the entrance roads and car park were clear of snow.
However, Derby were hit by a spate of call-offs from match stewards from outlying areas who couldn’t get to Pride Park and the EFL agreed with the Rams explanation that the safety of fans had to come first.
That decision went down like a lead balloon with Bluebirds fans, who urged EFL chiefs to punish Derby, while their club’s chief executive Ken Choo demanded his fans should be reimbursed by the Rams for the cost of their tickets and travelling expenses.
Meanwhile, Warnock claimed a spate of injuries and Tom Huddlestone’s suspension had been behind a decision he described as “scandalous,” and “a disgrace.”
But commenting on the controversy for the first time, Rowett hit back and said: “Everyone has the right to voice and opinion, say what they feel.
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“We felt from our point of view, the club and all the safety people have to take a decision.
“Without going into the importance of safety for fans, the reality was the decision was not just by the club and me.
“I like to think I have a say in the club, but calling games off isn’t something I get involved in!
“They (Cardiff) tried to make it public, we kept a dignified silence.
“I’m really pleased the EFL spoke about the club and the reality that the decision was the right one to make.”
The rearranged game will now go ahead on Tuesday, April 24 with a 7.45pm kick off.
