SFA roll out the Hampden excuses

The SFA and SPFL have apologised for the state of the pitch at Hampden for the Viaplay Cup semi-finals.

From the players taking their warm up at Saturday’s match between Celtic and Kilmarnock it was obvious that the pitch was cutting up badly.

Heavy rain didn’t help but other clubs, notably Motherwell, are able to provide a playable pitch all year round regardless of the weather conditions on matchday.

Queens Park twice used Hampden last month but other than that the stadium owned by the SFA hasn’t been used since the September international against Ireland.

The Daily Record reports:

A joint statement from the Scottish FA and Scottish Professional Football League: read: “The Scottish FA and Scottish Professional Football League have today discussed ways in which we can mitigate the ongoing inclement weather to optimise the playing surface for the Viaplay Cup Final next month and forthcoming international matches at Hampden Park .

“The inclement weather conditions, allied to the fixture schedule being dictated by a winter World Cup, contributed to the underfoot conditions during two otherwise exciting and entertaining semi-final ties.

“Whilst significant work was completed in late October, enhanced pitch maintenance provision is being investigated as a priority, to ensure the best possible surface is available for the remainder of the season, notwithstanding the sustained forecast for more rain and challenging weather conditions.”

Playing on successive days isn’t a smart move but the fixtures were known well in advance with the Hampden surface in worse condition than most SPFL Premiership grass surfaces.

Since redevelopment of Hampden was completed in 1999 there has been regular issues with the pitch with a number of resurfacing exercises.