The Serie A match between Bologna and Milan has been postponed due to severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flooding. The decision came after discussions on Friday involving the clubs and league organisers.
Despite efforts to find alternative solutions, such as playing behind closed doors or at a neutral venue, no agreement was reached.
Milan chairman Paolo Scaroni expressed his frustration, stating, “The match is postponed because, with a decision that in my opinion is incomprehensible, the mayor has prohibited the match from being played even behind closed doors.” The postponement complicates scheduling for both teams, especially since they are participating in the Champions League.
The municipality of Bologna highlighted safety concerns as a reason for the postponement. They noted that the match would have attracted approximately 35,000 people to a critical area of the city. This influx could have caused significant issues due to fan presence and traffic disruptions.
Finding a new date for the game poses challenges due to both clubs’ busy schedules. Milan faces additional complications as Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders will miss their upcoming match against Napoli. Originally suspended for the Bologna game, their suspensions will now apply to Tuesday’s fixture instead.
The mayor of Bologna had earlier announced the suspension of the match, citing public safety concerns. Despite attempts to reschedule or relocate the game, no viable solution was found before announcing its postponement.
This situation underscores the complexities involved in managing sports events amid unpredictable weather conditions. Both clubs must now navigate these challenges while maintaining their competitive edge in domestic and international competitions.
