Paul Lambert: Decision to postpone Blackburn Rovers' Boxing Day clash correct one for players and fans

That was the verdict of Paul Lambert after the Ewood Park encounter was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

With Boro bringing 5,500 fans Rovers were anticipating their biggest crowd of the campaign.

And Lambert had real belief that his side, who suffered the first defeat of his reign last weekend, could topple the table toppers.

But having inspected the surface, and with severe weather warnings in place across flood-hit Lancashire, the Rovers boss felt it would have been dangerous for players and supporters for the game to go ahead.

Lambert (pictured inspecting the pitch) said: “The pitch can withstand a lot of water but the amount of rainfall that has fallen yesterday and today has been vast. So there was no chance it was going to go ahead.

“I’ve not saw a pitch like that for a long time but when it rains like it is doing, it’s in the lap of the gods.

“The disappointing thing for us was that there was going to be a really big crowd and I’m sure it was going to be a really good game.

“In the last six games only Middlesbrough and Derby County have taken more points than us so we were going into it in really good form, albeit on the back of a defeat last Sunday.

“We have been playing well and we were ready for it but you have to think of people’s safety – the supporters of Blackburn Rovers and the supporters of Middlesbrough, and obviously the players themselves. It was dangerous.”

A new date for the match will be announced in due course.