The match was officially called off at 11am after three pitch inspections, with ref Leigh Doughty deciding that part of the playing surface were unplayable.
It’s the first time that a game has been axed to due a frozen pitch at Fratton Park in almost 14 years, with hundreds of Town fans well on their way to the South Coast when the decision was revealed.
Town fans have been reacting on X – here’s a flavour of what they’re saying…
And we want to hear what you think too – so leave your comment and get involved in the debate!
Did nobody at Ipswich know there was a possibility of it being off until 10.55? Unfair fans weren’t warned earlier, so we could have at least delayed journeys
— Katie Ling (@KatieLing) January 4, 2026
No other 3pm game called off. Pitch had covers on and it was only a few degrees below freezing. Called of at 11 and despite temperatures improving. Why not inspect at 12 and 1 then make a call? Pompey also have load of players out and not had game called of in 10+years I belive.
— Black Country Tractor Boy 5RB 🇵🇸 🍉 (@YamYamKally) January 4, 2026
#Pompey should now be fined more than the cost it would’ve taken to hire sufficient equipment to get the game on. If it’s safe for fans to get there (which it clearly has been) they should’ve been doing all they can to get the game on. Tinpottery. #itfc
— Lewis Mitchell (@lewismitchell87) January 4, 2026
Being rational I’d say it highlights the need for more money to be spent to improve the infrastructure of pitches across the game
Far more fun to talk about it being a big Pompey conspiracy theory though
— Matthew Worrall (@Matty_Worrall) January 4, 2026
All efforts should be made to play ultimately, even if kick off is pushed back a few hours and pressure put on the (H) club. It’s not historically cold temperatures is it or force majeure. It’s fairly standard British winter weather.
— Alex Browne (@AlexBrownee) January 4, 2026
You’ve got to take the positives out of this situation. We’ve had a lot of matches in the last few weeks. If we play a 2nd string in the FA cup this can be a mini winter break, chance to continue improving things on the training ground and a strong start to the next games #itfc
— GeorgeFromBSE (@giorgiosuffolk) January 4, 2026
Pompey prob made no effort to keep it on. No thought for the travelling fans
— Aiden byfield (@byfield_aiden) January 4, 2026
Our players have played a lot of games recently so may be a blessing disguise.
— Phil Kerridge (@KerridgePhil) January 4, 2026
Has to be a positive for Town.
Yes, we’re on a good run, but this gives the players a extra break, especially if some fringe / U21s are given an opportunity in the Cup
Pain for the fans, but good for our seasoning reckon #ITFC
— Alastair Taylor 🧢 (@AlTaylorNZ) January 4, 2026
Thoughts are a championship game should not be off in this weather. But they have 12 out injured. Make of it what you will!
— Richard Hibbert (@RichHibbert) January 4, 2026
Feel sorry for those travelling but playing them on a more “playable” pitch works in our favour, even if they do have players back, as we are that much better than them, in ALL departments 🤪😜
— Busta (@markdbliss) January 4, 2026