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Ipswich's home Championship clash with Middlesbrough was abandoned after 37 minutes because of a frozen pitch, with the game still goalless.

The surface, which had been protected for eight days, had earlier passed two inspections on Saturday, including one at 1345 GMT.

But referee Dean Whitestone took the decision to halt proceedings just before the interval.

Ipswich came closest to a goal when Daryl Murphy's shot hit the bar.

However, the pitch contributed to a match which was anything but a classic before referee Whitestone signalled for the players to leave the field following discussions with both benches, a decision which was greeted by a chorus of boos from supporters.

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