Rangers’ Scottish Premiership match against Dundee has been postponed once again.
The Dens Park field was declared unplayable following a 3:30 pm inspection, despite referee Don Robertson initially approving it during an 11:30 am inspection earlier in the day.
This development will surely disappoint Rangers supporters who had traveled to Dundee for the match, and demands for disciplinary action are increasing.
Rangers had made preparations, including accommodating their players in a hotel overnight, only to be informed of the cancellation at this late stage.
In response, Rangers have issued a strongly-worded statement criticizing Dundee, indicating that if the Scottish Premiership fixture cannot proceed, there must be consequences.
With this being the fifth cancellation at Dens Park this season, Dundee’s position appears untenable.
The match has been rescheduled at Dens Park, despite the poor condition of the pitch, for next Wednesday, April 17th, at 8 pm.
Rangers call for SPFL intervention following the failure of Dundee’s pitch.
Rangers, deeply angered, have urged the SPFL to take strict action against Dundee, accusing them of “negligence and unprofessionalism” throughout the entire debacle.
Rangers only became aware of the potential cancellation of the original fixture in March when their kit man arrived at Dens Park.
This prompted the Ibrox club and Philippe Clement to strongly criticize Dundee. If Dundee thought the initial postponement upset Rangers, then they should brace themselves for further criticism from John Nelms and his associates.
Rangers have also criticized the SPFL for their involvement in this unfortunate pitch situation, and it is anticipated that Dundee will face severe consequences.
The Rangers management believes that both the league body and Dundee have been hesitant to consider alternative options, such as changing the venue.
Additionally, Rangers are furious that 4000 of their supporters have once again traveled to Dundee, based on what they perceive as shocking and irresponsible behavior from Dundee.
The Rangers statement reads:
“Dundee Football Club’s repeated breaches of SPFL rules, characterized by negligence and unprofessionalism, continue to harm the integrity of the top professional league in the country.
“In a week where record TV viewing figures were recorded for a match in the same competition, and with tonight’s game scheduled to be televised again by Sky Sports, this incident is deeply embarrassing and entirely avoidable.
“Rangers expects the SPFL to take appropriate and decisive action in line with its regulations, and the club will continue to forcefully express its concerns to them.
“The club has repeatedly proposed solutions to the SPFL, which have been disregarded. We have once again suggested a solution for the planning and execution of this rescheduled fixture and await the SPFL’s response. As it stands, the rescheduled match is set for Wednesday, April 17 at 8 pm. The club believes that both Dundee and the SPFL have mishandled this matter from the start.
“At this time, we express our full sympathy once again to our supporters, approximately 4000 of whom were anticipating tonight’s game. Having already been significantly inconvenienced and financially burdened by the initial postponement last month, Dundee FC’s failure to prevent a recurrence of this situation is entirely unacceptable and disrespectful.”
SPFL affirms that disciplinary measures against Dundee are forthcoming.
The SPFL has issued its own statement on the matter, shedding an unfavorable light on the state of the nation’s game. John Nelms’ leadership, in which he cited weather conditions as an excuse, encapsulates the situation.
Any professional football club worth its salt would take responsibility for the condition of its pitch and strive to accommodate fans and broadcasters if issues arise. The game could have been rescheduled at an alternate venue and played as planned tonight.
However, Dundee’s actions have been deemed selfish, irresponsible, and unfair. The entire debacle is epitomized by the dismissive attitude of the American director.
Despite this being the fifth game affected, Dundee has yet to face any punishment, although Calum Beattie, the SPFL’s chief operating officer, has stated that sanctions are imminent.
The statement reads:
“The Match Referee conducted two thorough pitch inspections today. Due to the forecast of heavy rain later in Dundee, it has been decided that the pitch will not be playable this evening.
“While this news is deeply disappointing, contingency plans have been in place since last month. Both clubs were informed by email on March 21st that should tonight’s game be affected by weather, it would be rescheduled for Dens Park on Wednesday, April 17th. Despite exploring alternative options in the past week, none were deemed superior to our original plan. This decision ensures that this crucial fixture has the best chance of being played in front of both sets of supporters and allows for further contingency planning should the weather worsen unexpectedly.
“There is an ongoing disciplinary process regarding pitch issues at Dens Park, and the latest developments will be considered as part of those inquiries.”
Rangers will now return to Glasgow and prepare for Sunday’s trip to Ross County, before facing a similar situation again next week.