Rangers criticize Dundee for ‘negligence and unprofessionalism’ after second Premier League game postponed due to waterlogged pitch

Rangers have accused Dundee of ‘negligence and unprofessionalism’ after seeing their Premier League game postponed for a second time due to a waterlogged pitch.

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

A second inspection was arranged at 15.30 after further heavy rain, where the pitch was deemed unplayable.

The Scottish Professional Football League has confirmed that the match has been moved to April 17, the third time the match will be attempted.

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

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“The negligence and unprofessionalism shown by Dundee Football Club in repeatedly breaching SPFL rules continues to have a damaging effect on the top professional league in the country,” a statement from Rangers read.

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

‘Rangers expect the SPFL to take proportionate and decisive action in accordance with its rules and the club will continue to make inquiries with them in the strongest possible way.

‘At this point we again fully sympathize with our supporters, approximately 4,000 of whom were looking forward to attending tonight’s game.

“Having been greatly inconvenienced and out of pocket at the initial postponement last month, it is completely unacceptable and disrespectful of Dundee FC to have allowed this situation to develop again.

Rangers also stated that the club had submitted solutions to the SPFL for the match and insisted that the organization and Dundee had “mishandled” the matter.

SPFL chief executive Calum Beattie confirmed Dundee are facing disciplinary action over their pitching problems.

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

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

‘This decision gives this vital game the very best chance of being played in front of both sets of fans and also gives us a week to complete further contingency planning in the event the weather unexpectedly worsens in the interim.

“There is currently an ongoing disciplinary process regarding pitch issues at Dens Park and the latest developments will feed into these inquiries.”