Dundee v Rangers match at Dens Park called off for second time following pitch inspection

Dundee vs Rangers has been postponed for a second time following a late pitch inspection.

Officials checked the playing surface at 11am, around nine hours before the game was scheduled to kick-off.

Rangers confirmed a further pitch inspection was to be held at 3.30pm due to a heavy rain forecast.

It has now been confirmed that the match has been called off – for the second time this season.

The game was due to kick-off at 8pm on Wednesday – but will take place a week later on Wednesday, April 17.

MATCH POSTPONED!

Following this afternoon’s second scheduled pitch inspection the match referee has deemed the pitch at The Scot Foam Stadium unplayable after heavy rain this afternoon and tonight’s match has been postponed.

This match will now be played next Wednesday, 17th… pic.twitter.com/tpP6xDZNCS
— Dundee Football Club (@DundeeFC) April 10, 2024

Calum Beattie, chief operating officer at the SPFL, said: “The Match Referee has carried out two detailed pitch inspections today and in light of the forecast for heavy rain later today in Dundee, a decision has now been taken that the pitch will not be playable this evening.

“Whilst this development is extremely disappointing, we have had contingency measures in place since last month and informed both clubs by email on March 21 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 17.

“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.”

Sport

Second pitch inspection ahead of Dundee vs Rangers match as rain forecast

Officials checked the playing surface at 11am, but heavy rain is forecast.

Dundee have now had five games postponed this season, including this fixture twice, amid ongoing concerns about their pitch.

The Premiership clash had been rearranged from last month when heavy rainfall in the area caused the pitch to be waterlogged.

Dundee chiefs said on Tuesday that they have contingency plans in place if the game is called off while Philippe Clement hit out at the “crazy situation”.