Referee explains decision to postpone SPL encounter

St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas will have to wait for his first competitive match

Referee Steven McLean said heavy fog at McDiarmid Park meant St Johnstone's SPL clash with Aberdeen was "a non-starter".

McLean made the decision to postpone the game following an inspection at 1700 GMT.

"It's always a difficult decision, particularly when you've got so many spectators coming and it's live on TV," he told BBC's Sportsound.

New Saints boss Steve Lomas will have to wait for his first game in charge.

The heavy fog meant the game could not go ahead and an alternative date has yet to be confirmed.

"Unfortunately, due to the conditions, it was a non-starter. If you go to the back of the stands, you can't even see the halfway line," said McLean.

"From a spectators' viewpoint, you want to come and be entertained and watch a good spectacle.

"That was never going to be the case and the players wouldn't be able to perform to their full potential if they can't see the ball or their team-mates.

"The sensible and commonsense decision was to postpone the match.

"You also have to take into consideration the travelling conditions for the supporters coming from Aberdeen."