Rangers: Don Robertson shares what SPFL asked him about Dundee and Dens Park
Don Robertson has shared his assessment of the pitch at Dens Park ahead of Dundee’s Scottish Premiership clash with Rangers.
The referee inspected the playing surface at 11 am to determine if the game, scheduled to kick-off at 8 pm, could go ahead.
He delivered his verdict ahead of a second inspection, which will take place at 3:30 pm after being asked by the SPFL to head to the ground.
Speaking to Sky Sports Scotland, he said: “I’ve inspected the pitch at 11 o’clock – the pitch is playable at the moment.
“I was asked by the league to come up this morning and conduct that inspection. Obviously, there’s been some issues with the pitch recently, so I think [they] wanted [me] to come up early and have an early sight of the pitch.
“At the moment, it’s playable. I’m quite comfortable that the pitch is playable, it’s safe for the players to play in. All areas of the pitch, including areas where there [were] concerns a couple of weeks ago when the match was postponed and subsequently.
“So that’s the situation just now as we stand, obviously everyone’s aware of the weather forecast for the area.”
Rangers v Dundee looks set to go ahead
Robertson’s largely positive assessment of the playing surface at Dens Park indicates a strong desire for the game, which had already been rescheduled, to go ahead.
Heavy rain this afternoon could, of course, alter the referee’s verdict of the pitch’s playability, but it appears more likely to be on than off.
The quality of the surface will be a concern for Rangers boss Philippe Clement, who will be eager to pick up all three points to cash in on their game-in-hand advantage over Scottish Premiership title rivals Celtic, who are top by a point before this match.
However, the Belgian boss will also be keen to avoid losing any key players to injury due to playing on an unsafe surface and will have to hope that Robertson’s assessment of the ground is fair.
Should the Gers claim victory, they will move to the top of the league standings, two points clear of rivals Celtic before the league splits.
In other Rangers news, Andy Halliday has blasted James Tavernier after his error in the Old Firm derby.
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