Blackpool v Manchester United clash called off as Britain's big freeze hits Premier League

This weekend's Barclays Premier League clash between Blackpool and Manchester United has been called off due to the freezing conditions at the Tangerines' Bloomfield Road ground. Temperatures dipped below minus eight on Thursday night meaning attempts to make the pitch playable, using protective covering and hot-air blowers, were in vain. The Seasiders expressed concerns over the state of the playing surface on Friday lunchtime, and the match was postponed later in the afternoon after match referee Peter Walton carried out a pitch inspection. No other games in the top flight have yet been called off. A statement on the club's website read: 'Mr Walton expressed concern that the severely affected areas of the playing surface would not thaw sufficiently for the game to be completed.' (Daily Mail)