Nobody wants to see a football game postponed, but that’s what happened to Aberdeen vs Celtic on Wednesday.
Despite no inclination prior to the day of the game, Aberdeen announced a pitch inspection in the middle of the afternoon, causing panic.
Less than two hours later, the game’s postponement was confirmed, just as some of Martin O’Neill’s staff began to arrive at Pittodrie.
The decision was made by officials on ‘player safety grounds’, according to Aberdeen CEO Alan Burrows -but some Hoops fans aren’t convinced that the pitch was unplayable.
Meanwhile, Livingston attempted to poke fun at the postponement, with their home clash with Falkirk on the same evening going ahead.
Aberdeen vs Celtic – postponed
Thoughts Celtic fans?
Livingston’s attempt to troll Celtic
It’s fair to say that Livingston aren’t the most liked club in the Scottish Premiership.
Their plastic pitch, often-empty stadium and perceived style of play haven’t made them many friends.
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Livi saw this as an opportunity to make fun of the postponement, boasting the benefits of their infamous artificial surface.
The club’s official account posted on X: “There are no concerns over the artificial surface here at the Home of the Set Fare Arena for tonight’s game.
Wrap up warm and we’ll see you all soon!”
This drew plenty of reactions, with some Celtic fans biting back whilst others took it in decent humour.
But perhaps the most relevant response pointed out that Livingston had a home game postponed after a pitch inspection… just four weeks ago.
Their game against St Mirren, scheduled for the evening of the sixth of January this year, was called off due to a frozen pitch which left the surface ‘unplayable’.
To unsurprisingly round it off, Livi were beaten by Falkirk on Wednesday night, so they could’ve done with the game being called off.
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More on why Aberdeen vs Celtic was postponed
Fourth official Alan Souttar spoke to Sky Sports after the postponement was confirmed to give more clarity on why the decision was reached.
He said: “There was an area of concern raised to me at the bottom end of the penalty area. I went down there and had a look at that.
“There is extremely soft mud. It’s moving when you put your studs in it. There are concerns with the player’s safety when they are running in that the boot will just slip, it’s not taking studs. A real concern, the ball isn’t also bouncing in that area.
“All that taken into consideration, player safety is paramount to this decision. I couldn’t ensure that.
“I had a look at it, it’s not one I thought was in doubt. It was a straightforward decision, in respect of the player’s safety.”
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