Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes was frustrated his Dons were denied the chance to move level on points with Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic but felt the decision to postpone yesterday’s match against St Johnstone in Perth was the right one.
Referee Bobby Madden carried out a pitch inspection at McDiarmid Park at 8am yesterday but the pitch was unplayable after heavy overnight rain.
It meant the Dons were unable to close the gap on leaders Celtic, who moved three points clear at the top after beating Partick Thistle 1-0 on Saturday with a last-minute goal from substitute Leigh Griffiths.
McInnes’ Reds were also out to avenge one of their lowest moments of 2015 – a 5-1 home defeat by the Perth Saints in the last meeting between the sides in October.
McInnes said: “There was a lot of interest in the game and we would have had nearly 3,000 supporters at McDiarmid Park.
“That backing meant a lot to us and we were all looking forward to the game. It was important we were ready for the match but at the same time we have to respect the conditions. Everyone wants to see a game played in good conditions. If the pitch was going to make things more difficult then it was the right decision.”
With the match scheduled to kick off at 12.30pm, McInnes was happy St Johnstone arranged an early inspection, meaning the game was called off before most supporters started travelling to Perth.
McInnes and his team had already made the journey but there was no surprise when the pitch was deemed unplayable.
He added: “We all feared the worst. We travelled on Saturday but the rain was non-stop from when we were in the hotel. It would have been difficult for any pitch to cope with the amount of rain that has fallen.”
A new date for the fixture has yet to be arranged.