Overview
- Referee Anthony Backhouse passed the pitch as playable, but officials judged areas around the playing surface potentially unsafe.
- Hull announced the decision with supporters already inside the MKM Stadium and both teams warming up.
- Watford said they were ready to play, expressed disappointment, and insisted they did not agree to the cancellation, contradicting Hull's earlier message.
- Former referees' chief Keith Hackett called the handling "appalling," urged an earlier cut-off around 11am, and said he expects a full EFL investigation.
- The fixture will be rearranged, adding scheduling pressure and carrying implications for the Championship play-off race.