JOE Skarz thinks even Barcelona would be unable to play attractive football at the Kassam Stadium as the shocking pitch came in for major criticism after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Plymouth Argyle.

The Oxford United left back was one of many to hit out at the surface after the Sky Bet League Two clash.

Patrick Hoban missed two decent chances for the hosts, but Skarz put the first opportunity down to a nasty bobble.

And the U’s man was in no doubt the pitch, which also hosts London Welsh rugby matches, impacted the display of Callum O’Dowda, who relies on a decent surface to produce his best.

“You can’t pass the ball on there like you want to,” he said. “I don’t think Barcelona could play one-touch football on that.

“The ball is constantly bobbling, which makes it very difficult.”

He added: “I don’t think the pitch has helped Pat with the first chance.

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“And with Callum – although I don’t want to sound like I am picking on the groundsman all the time – he needs good pitches to get the ball early and let him do what he does best.”

United skipper Jake Wright thought similar, saying: “The pitch is terrible.

“That’s why we are not seeing so many goals at home of late because it’s difficult to play the football we want to do here.

“I don’t think anyone can use it to their advantage. You can’t take any risks on it.”

Plymouth manager John Sheridan did not hold back in his assessment, taking pity on United having to put up with the surface week after week.

“I feel sorry for Oxford, because they have to play on that pitch all the time.” the Argyle boss said.

“It’s shocking and just totally spoiled the game.”