Blues and Boro blast referee

Rain hits football

Birmingham have slammed ref Chris Foy for postponing their Premiership clash against Middlesbrough at St Andrew's because of a waterlogged pitch.

Foy called the game off 80 minutes before the 1500 GMT kick-off after making the last of four inspections.

Blues boss Steve Bruce said: "That pitch is playable and for the game to be called off is very frustrating."

Boro defender Danny Mills said: "I can't understand why the game has been called off."

He added: "There was a little bit of water but everyone has played in far worse conditions week in and week out."

Bruce had been looking forward to facing a Middlesbrough team whose midweek Carling Cup quarter-final win over Spurs went to extra time and penalties.

The welfare of the players is paramount Referee Chris Foy

"I'm not going to lie. It would have been an absolute ideal time to take on Middlesbrough," he said.

"If I was Middlesbrough I would be absolutely delighted, although maybe when you come all this way perhaps you want the game on.

"But I know for a fact that a couple of their players were being rested."

Birmingham owner David Sullivan said: "It's a very sad day - he [the referee] has ruined everyone's Christmas."

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But Foy was adamant that he had made the right decision.

He said: "Both sides have many expensive players and, if they were to get injured, the finger would be pointed at me.

"The pitch wasn't playable and my decision was made based on the safety of the players."