Southend United took the measure of sacking their groundsman yesterday after their home pitch was deemed unplayable last Saturday.
Their fixture with Bolton Wanderers was called off due to a frozen pitch and groundskeeper of 27 years, Ken Hare, was dismissed with the club stating: "People generally lose their position as a result of not doing their job."
They added: "The necessary decision surrounding Mr Hare was a disappointment and of course not taken lightly.
"Very FEW people have been dismissed at this football club over the past 20 years and that even extends to managers."
A little before 11am on Saturday morning the game was called off, with the referee deeming the pitch unplayable and the club stating that player safety was "paramount".
⌠We apologise for the inconvenience caused today! It was the referee's decision with the players safety paramount 🔵⚽ pic.twitter.com/gwNABnuMh0
— Southend United (@SUFCRootsHall) January 21, 2017
It was brought to light that a tweet had was sent just a week before the game - that has since been deleted - which said: "The pitch is looking [perfect,] hats off to the groundsmen here at Roots Hall who have worked tirelessly."
Now, Bolton Wanderers fans who say they are "disgusted" with the move have started a position to reinstate Mr Hare to his former employment after "what was probably a simple error of judgement".
In a statement they said: "On Saturday 21st January 2017, the football pitch at Roots Hall, home of Southend United FC was deemed unplayable and the match against Bolton Wanderers was postponed leaving hundreds of Bolton fans having to travel back home.
"Head groundsman for Southend United, Ken Hare, has since been sacked after 27 years in the job for what was probably a simple error of judgement.
"We Bolton fans are disgusted with this and want to work together to get him his job back. It is always disappointing when a match is postponed but he does not deserve to lose his job which we are all sure he was very good at just for this.
"Stand up for Ken and let's show what a fantastic fan base we can be. COYWM!"
You can view the petition by clicking here.
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