Dundee’s rescheduled Scottish Premiership match with Rangers has been postponed following a second pitch inspection.
The SPFL has rescheduled the fixture for Wednesday, April 17 with an 8pm kick-off and has confirmed that “an ongoing disciplinary process” is being carried out.
Rangers responded negatively to the postponement, taking aim at both Dundee and the SPFL.
The Dens Park pitch was deemed playable following an 11am assessment of the playing surface by referee Don Robertson
With heavy rain after that, the whistler scheduled another at 3.30pm and the pitch failed that inspection.
The match was originally due to take place last month but was called off after a late pitch inspection.
It will now be contested after the final round or pre-split games this weekend.
The SPFL’s chief operating officer Calum Beattie said: “Whilst this development is extremely disappointing, we have had contingency measures in place since last month.
“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.
‘Disciplinary process ongoing’
“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.”
Rangers said they expect the SPFL to take “decisive” action and hit out at Dundee for their “negligence and unprofessionalism”.
They also criticised both Dundee and the governing body for their handling of the issue.
In a statement, Rangers said: “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.
“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.
‘Unacceptable and disrespectful’
“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.
“The club has been repeatedly putting forward solutions to the SPFL, which have not been taken up. It has again proposed a solution to the preparation and execution of this rescheduled fixture and is awaiting a response from the SPFL.
“As things stand, the rescheduled match will be on Wednesday, April 17 at 8pm. The club considers that this matter has been handled incorrectly throughout by both Dundee and the SPFL.
“At this time, we sympathise fully once again with our supporters, approximately 4,000 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.”
The Dark Blues will now face Aberdeen at Pittodrie this weekend before hosting Rangers next midweek.
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