Blackburn's Carling Cup semi-final first leg with Aston Villa on Tuesday evening has fallen foul of the heavy overnight snow which has blanketed the north of England.

Rovers have called off the match on safety advice despite admitting that the Ewood Park pitch is playable.

"The decision was taken in conjunction with the Police Match Commander on the grounds of public safety and following consultation with the Football League," read a club statement.

"The weather forecast for the day states that we can expect more snow and freezing temperatures in Lancashire and that heavy snow is expected in the Midlands later in the day and will continue throughout the evening and early hours of Wednesday morning.

"Even if fans are able to get to Ewood Park we would not like to speculate on what type of journey home they may face at 10.00pm tonight when temperatures will be sub-zero."

The two clubs met in the FA Cup on Saturday with Villa running out 3-1 winners in their third round tie at Villa Park.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email