It wasn’t until ninety minutes prior to kickoff that the referee officially announced a second pitch inspection, by which time all the players had left.
Ian Read, a Shots fan who traveled, expressed dissatisfaction with the way the incident was handled.
He said to BBC Radio Surrey, “It’s a wasted journey.”
“I’m disappointed with the lack of communication from the club and I’ll have to do it all over again in a week or so.”
With both the Shots and Gateshead vying for play-off spots in the National League, it was a crucial encounter.
Before the game began, there had been severe rain on the pitch at Gateshead International Stadium for about five hours.
To maximize the 600-mile round-trip journey, Read had intended to see the game and then stay in the town for a few days.
“I got quite hopeful after the rain eased and I hadn’t heard anything from the club,” he said.
“Given the forecast, it was unexpected that the game wasn’t canceled sooner.
“I will travel up for the rescheduled game, but my stay will be shorter. I’ll need to choose something.”
Aldershot Town posted on social media following the announcement that the match would not proceed, stating that they were
Both teams have stated that they will provide an update on the rescheduled match at the appropriate time.
According to a statement from Gateshead FC, the team “desperately wanted the match to go ahead”.
“Following the inspection, an agreed remedial package was agreed, only for it to be revoked, and ultimately the decision was made that the match would be postponed,” it said.
“It is regrettable that the game was called off, as it affected both sets of fans—many of whom had traveled.
“We would like to thank our staff, supporters, volunteers and Gateshead Council for the huge effort today, and we are immensely grateful to all.”
