Dundee’s Scottish Premiership game against Rangers is facing uncertainty once again, as it may have to be moved to St Johnstone’s McDiarmid Park if Dens Park is deemed unfit to host the match. Last week’s game was postponed for a second time due to a waterlogged pitch, leading Rangers to accuse Dundee of negligence. The initial fixture was called off just 90 minutes before kick-off last month.
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) is eager for the game to be played before the post-split fixtures begin, despite Dundee securing their place in the top six with a draw against Aberdeen. To ensure the pitch is in suitable condition, the SPFL has appointed an experienced pitch consultancy, regularly used by UEFA, to provide guidance on its condition.
Dundee is now responsible for providing daily updates on the playing surface to the pitch consultants, the SPFL, and Rangers. This level of transparency aims to avoid any last-minute surprises and ensure all parties involved have the necessary information.
The recent history of postponed games at Dens Park has raised concerns over Dundee’s ability to maintain a playable pitch. Last Wednesday, the surface passed an inspection at 11:00 BST but was rendered unplayable after heavy rainfall later in the day. Dundee claimed that despite the efforts of supporters, staff, and contractors throughout the week, one area of the pitch was deemed unfit due to the heavy rain.
Rangers expressed their frustration with Dundee’s handling of the situation, accusing the club of negligence and unprofessionalism. They believe that Dundee’s repeated breaches of SPFL rules are damaging the reputation of the top professional league in the country. This sentiment was echoed by Rangers after the original game in March was also called off following a late pitch inspection.
If the game is moved to McDiarmid Park, it will still be considered a home game for Dundee. In response to concerns from Rangers, the club has confirmed that supporters who have tickets for Dens Park will be able to attend the game at the new venue.
This situation highlights the challenges faced by clubs in maintaining playable pitches, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall. It also raises questions about the responsibility of clubs to ensure the pitch is fit for play and the consequences of repeated postponements on the league’s integrity.
Moving forward, it is crucial for Dundee to address the ongoing issues with their pitch and take necessary measures to prevent further disruptions. Additionally, the SPFL should consider implementing stricter regulations and guidelines to ensure all clubs meet the required standards for pitch conditions.
Overall, this situation serves as a reminder that weather conditions can impact the smooth running of football fixtures, and clubs must be proactive in their approach to pitch maintenance to avoid unnecessary postponements and potential damage to their reputation.