Rangers slam Dundee for ‘negligence and unprofessionalism’ after second postponement of Premiership fixture due to a waterlogged pitch

Rangers have accused Dundee of ‘negligence and unprofessionalism’ after seeing their Premiership match called postponed for a second time due to a waterlogged pitch.

The playing surface at the Scot Foam Stadium at Dens Park had passed a pitch on Wednesday morning.

A second inspection was arranged for 3.30pm after further heavy rainfall, with the pitch deemed to be unplayable.

Referee Don Robertson told Sky Sports News that the a significant area in the middle of the pitch was ‘unsafe for the players’.

The Scottish Professional Football League has confirmed the match has been rescheduled for April 17, the third time the fixture will be attempted to be played.

The surface passed an initial inspection but was deemed unplayable after further rainfall

Rangers have hit out at Dundee accusing the club of ‘negligence and unprofessionalism’ 

Rangers hit out at Dundee following the second postponement of the fixture, accusing the club of repeatedly breaching SPFL rules. 

‘The negligence and unprofessionalism demonstrated by Dundee Football Club, where they have repeatedly breached SPFL rules, continues to have a damaging effect on the top professional league in the country,’ a Rangers statement read.

‘In a week where record TV viewing figures were recorded for a match in the same competition, and this evening’s game due to be televised again by Sky Sports, this episode is deeply embarrassing and has also been eminently avoidable.

‘Rangers expects the SPFL to take proportionate and decisive action in accordance with its rules, and the club will continue to make representations to them in the strongest possible manner.

‘At this time, we sympathise fully once again with our supporters, approximately 4000 of whom were looking forward to attending tonight’s game. 

‘Having already been left hugely inconvenienced and out of pocket by the first postponement last month, it is entirely unacceptable and disrespectful on the part of Dundee FC to have allowed this situation to have developed again.

Rangers also stated that the club had put forward solutions to the SPFL for the fixture, insisting the organisation and Dundee have ‘incorrectly’ handled the matter.

Rangers are one point behind Celtic and could have taken a two point lead over their rivals had they won their game in hand.

Dundee would be assured of sixth place ahead of the league split with victory over Rangers.

Referee Don Robertson conducted the second pitch inspection of the playing surface

The postponement in the fifth time Dundee have seen a league match called off this season

SPFL chief operating officer Calum Beattie confirmed Dundee are facing disciplinary proceedings over their pitch issues. 

‘Whilst this development is extremely disappointing, we have had contingency measures in place since last month and informed both clubs by email on March 21st of our intention, should tonight’s game fall victim to the weather, that we would rearrange the game for Dens Park on the evening of Wednesday, April 17th,’ Beattie said.

‘In the last week we have explored other possible options with both clubs but none of them were deemed to be better than our original contingency plan.

‘This decision gives this vital fixture the very best chance of being played in front of both sets of supporters and also gives us a week to finalise further contingency planning in the event that the weather unexpectedly deteriorates in the interim.

‘There is currently an ongoing disciplinary process regarding pitch issues at Dens Park and the latest developments will form part of those enquiries.’