Crunch time for SPFL rule change that Celtic and Brendan Rodgers want

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A date has been set for clubs to vote on banning artificial pitches in the Scottish Premiership, a rule change that Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is publicly on the record supporting.

The subject of plastic pitches has been much spoken about in Scottish football over the last few years.

Many managers are not happy with them in place at the elite level in the country with concerns surrounding how they change style of play and even what impact they have on players in terms of fitness and injury.

Currently, Kilmarnock and Livingston are the only top-flight teams with one installed, although the Ayrshire side have already announced plans to get rid of it within the next couple of seasons.

The Scottish Daily Mail [09/03 print edition] now reports that a resolution has been put forward by the SPFL’s Competitions Working Group proposing a ban. Clubs will vote on the issue at a general meeting on April 24th.

A group of lower league sides, as well as Livingston, are said to be seeking to water down an outright ban although it’s stated in the report that there’s a growing feeling the vote will pass.

The SPFL have held talks with League One and Two clubs to reassure them the ban would be restricted to the Premiership only.

Celtic would favour a ban on plastic pitches

Rodgers said when reports of a potential ban surfaced last year: “It’s clear that every coach would want to play on a grass pitch. I think the sooner that is a possibility up here then the better it will be for everyone.

“I understand the economics of it all and what it’ll mean to some clubs. But there should be a certain level and a certain standard that every team if you’re playing in the top flight, should have a grass pitch.”

He’s previously spoken about the challenges for players at grounds such as Almondvale and Rugby Park, suggesting the pitches slow down matches and the speed of possession phases.

Livingston could be heading out of the league this year in any case, but it’s important that in future there is a transition towards grass-only pitches. It’s only right that the SPFL seek to formalise that.