BRISTOL Rovers CEO Martyn Starnes said Swindon Town refused to accept a rearranged date for the pairs' fixture to be played tomorrow as the Wiltshire side "couldn't get there."

After the call was made to postpone Saturday's 3pm kick-off due to a frozen pitch, Starnes said Rovers were keen to play the game on Sunday instead.

However, EFL regulations state that both clubs must agree on the new date, and Swindon declined Rovers' suggestion to play the game on Valentine's Day.

The Gas' CEO was also "furious" with referee Leigh Doughty for making what he called "an extremely poor decision" to call the game off in the first place.

Speaking to Bristol Rovers' media team, Starnes said: "The message from Swindon is that they can't get here for a game tomorrow, and apparently the league can't enforce it which I find unacceptable in the current circumstances.

"I've been at the ground for some time and looked at the pitch myself. It's in a perfectly playable condition, and it has been for some time.

"I cannot understand why the referee has called it off. I registered a complain with the EFL, I've spoken to the head of the referees and asked them to send the referee back to get the game on today, but apparently it was too late.

"I asked for the game to be played tomorrow, and apparently the regulations are that unless Swindon agree, they can't enforce the game to be played tomorrow.

"I am absolutely furious with the referee - I think he needs to be sanctioned heavily for making an extremely poor decision to cancel this game."

Swindon Town later responded to the claim, saying they declined the proposed short turnaround as they would not have anywhere to train beforehand, therefore negatively affecting the team's preparation.