The biggest fixture in Irish domestic soccer has been called off over concerns about a divot at the penalty spot.

The Dublin derby meeting of Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers has been postponed until a later date after the referee ruled that the pitch was unplayable due to extensive damage around the penatly spot at the Tramway End of Dalymount Park.

The game was expected to approach a sell out with the first meeting of Pat Fenlon and his former club Bohemians as the new Shamrock Rovers manager. Close to 1000 Shamrock Rovers supporters were due to make the journey across the city to Phibsboro. Gardai were seen speaking to the referee before he made his final decision to postpone.

The FAI released a statement explaining the decision: "The Football Association of Ireland today (August 18) confirmed that following a pitch inspection, this evening’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division game between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers has been postponed.

"The decision was made by Tomás Connolly, the referee in charge of the fixture, after he inspected the pitch and deemed it unplayable due to repair work that has been carried out inappropriately.

"A new date for the fixture will be announced in due course."

Off the Ball regular contributor Dan McDonnell of the Irish Independent was at Dalymount Park and sent these tweets showing the extent of the damage.

Bohs-Rovers called off because of a divot on the penalty spot. Referee deemed pitch unplayable.

— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) August 18, 2014

Here is the damaged penalty spot pic.twitter.com/RxOTwGHZpu

— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) August 18, 2014