He declared the Gresty Road playing surface unfit following a hard frost on Friday night, leaving fans of both clubs livid.
Latics fans had snapped up all of their 1,600 allocation and many were already in Crewe, or on their way, when the decision was made.
The team coach also had to turn back shortly after beginning its journey down the M6.
It appears the shadow cast by the roof of the main stand at Gresty Road caused all the problems.
Sunlight was unable to penetrate it, leaving the pitch down that side of the ground rock hard.
Officials from both clubs were expected to hold talks today to come up with a new date for the match.
With seven matches already scheduled for March, a midweek date in April looks the most likely option.
Latics chief executive Brenda Spencer said: "Crewe thought it was wise for the referee to check the pitch and he postponed the game.
"We will have to wait for a new date and at the moment, an April date seems the likely situation."
The postponement meant the top of the Second Division remained unchanged. Third-placed Cardiff also saw their game at Peterborough called off because of a frozen pitch.
Oldham moved level on points with them after a 2-1 win at Stockport, while Bristol City's dip in form since the New Year continued as they were beaten 2-0 by Notts County.
Sixth-placed QPR are now on the same number of points as City having thrashed Port Vale 4-0 on Saturday, former Wigan defender Gino Padula among the scorers.
Meanwhile, Scott Green who ended a six-year association with Latics on Thursday, made a winning debut with Wrexham at the weekend.
He has joined the Third Division promotion chasers until the end of the season and made his bow as a 44th minute substitute against Southend at the Racecourse Ground.
The Welsh side ran out 3-0 winners and are in the play-off frame as they aim for a quick return to the Second Division.
But the weekend wasn't as kind to another player who has flown the Latics nest in recent weeks.
Ged Brannan, who is on loan at Dunfermline for the rest of the campaign, was sent-off seconds before half-time in the Pars 3-1 win at Hibernian.
The midfielder, who continues to train at Latics before travelling up to Scotland later in the week, now faces a three-match ban.
Article from the Wigan Evening Post.