JAMES FORD has slammed the “outrageous” Odsal pitch and believes it contributed towards the injuries suffered by his York City Knights side.

York prevailed 20-6 over Bradford Bulls in the Betfred Championship at the weekend but finished the game without Jacob Ogden (concussion) and Masi Matongo (calf) while Danny Kirmond also left the field for a head injury assessment.

Head coach Ford believes that Bradford’s pitch, which is believed to be around 10-15m narrower than the LNER Community Stadium, contributed towards the amount of injuries both sides suffered.

“The pitch is outrageous,” he said, “evidenced by the amount of head knocks there were.

“It’s something that the RFL have to look at because the pitch is not suitable for adults to play on in my opinion.

“There were probably five or six HIAs because I believe that pitch is supposed to be about 13m to 15m narrower than ours.

“Why? Why are we playing on a pitch that doesn’t meet minimum expectations? It’s not as if it is palatial is it?

“What are we here for? To see players get injured?

“The quality of the surface is outrageous as well. It was like being on a park with the amount of sore ankles, knee and backs we’ve got from that field.

“It’s not on."

Ford’s complaints come almost a year after he voiced similar concerns at the Odsal pitch in the last meeting at the ground between the two sides.

The Knights were first away side to play on the field following its reduction in size to accommodate stock car racing in late May 2021.

“It’s the same thing as we saw last year,” Ford said.

“The pitch isn’t suitable, the facilities are below standard and the corners are dangerous.

“I don’t know why we’re here.”

The York boss also felt that the nature of the surface played a significant factor in the nature of the error-strewn affair in which neither side produced their best attacking rugby.

Numerous wide shifts were also quickly cut out by the two teams on several occasions due to the narrow field.

“The spectacle of the game and the quality of the game was really low,” Ford admitted.

“I wouldn’t fancy being a Bradford supporter and turning up and watching rugby league on that every second week.

"I think I’d go and find something else to do.”

Ford added: “There’s going to be some changes (to our team next week), not based on performance but based on knocks."

A spokesperson for the RFL said: "Bradford Bulls are responsible for the condition of the Odsal pitch.

"It was passed fit for Sunday's fixture, and the dimensions meet the minimum standards.

"James Ford is aware of the appropriate channels for complaints."