Exclusive: Hayes honours ‘free hotdog’ pledge to fans after abandoned match v Liverpool

EXCLUSIVE by Paul Lagan

It’s free hotdog time at Kingsmeadow on Wednesday night as Chelsea honour the pledge made by head coach Emma Hayes to the crowd that she would buy hotdogs for all the fans who turned up, watched six minutes of the WSL League match against Liverpool which was then abandoned as the frozen pitch was deemed too dangerous to play on.

The January 23 encounter was a total embarrassment for everyone involved apart from the two sides and the fans.

The freezing weather the day before continued and the referee felt after the early morning inspection that a 2pm start might help.

In fact the game was then started at 12.30pm with a covering tent and heaters employed in a vain attempt to get the game, that was going out live on TV played.

Following the abandonment, Hayes took to the microphone to given an impassioned speech to the crowd.

She said: “I want you to understand that from the players' perspective the pitch is unplayable. It's really icy down the sides and it's easy for an accident to happen.

“I just feel gutted for you guys that have come out and I promise you I'll buy you all a hotdog if you come to the next game. Thank you for coming.”

Capital Football can confirm that the rearranged fixture on Wednesday will see Hayes honour that pledge and free hotdogs for ticket holders will be available.

Two days after the pledge, club officials held a meeting with their food suppliers Levy Restaurants to thrash out a deal.

The result will see 4,000 hotdogs given to fans on their way into the stadium.

All ticket holders will get a stamp on their hand which will entitle them to the meat or veggie-option snack.

A club insider said: “We feel it’s the right thing to do for our brilliant fans.

”It will cost almost £20,000. But that reflects the need to do it correctly with all the health and safety requirements.”

It’s a brilliant response by the club who are seeking to develop their relationship with the fans even more.

Hayes will no doubt be delighted that the £20k won’t be coming out of her pocket, and it’s a credit to the club that the new ownership regime are keen to show that when they say they mean to develop ‘better engagement’ with the fans, that these type of practical measures are made.

Chelsea will go to one point behind second-placed Manchester City if they beat Liverpool.

Manchester United stay top three points ahead of City with 47 points.

Chelsea will regain top spot if they win their games in hand over the pair.