SPFL confirms alternate venue for Dundee v Rangers Premiership match

The SPFL has announced that Dundee’s Premiership match against Rangers will be played at St Johnstone’s McDiarmid Park on Wednesday, with fans in attendance, if the pitch at Dens Park proves to be unplayable again.

The re-arranged league fixture must go ahead this week after being postponed on two previous occasions, with the publication of the Premiership’s post-split fixtures being held up until the game is played.

The condition of the playing surface at Dens Park has caused games to be postponed on five occasions already, resulting in Dundee facing disciplinary action from the SPFL.

Rangers and other clubs have made their feelings known about the club’s problems in hosting their games, and the Ibrox club also criticised the SPFL over last week’s postponement, saying they would have been happy to play a day later or at another ground.

After it was announced that the game would be played on Wednesday April 17, the league body said they would issue a clear contingency plan and they have now published those details.

A statement read: “The SPFL has announced a series of contingency measures regarding the previously postponed Dundee v Rangers cinch Premiership match on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

“The SPFL has appointed an experienced pitch consultancy, which is regularly used by UEFA and other sporting bodies, to report back to the league with guidance on the condition of the pitch in advance of Wednesday’s match.

“Dundee were also informed on Thursday that they must provide the pitch consultants, SPFL and Rangers with daily updates on the playing surface and weather forecast, and immediately report any concerns regarding Wednesday’s match being played at Dens Park.

“It has further been agreed that the match official will carry out an inspection of the playing surface on the morning of Tuesday, April 16, after which, taking weather forecasts into account, a final decision will be taken on whether to play the game at Dens Park.

“If the game cannot be played at Dens Park, the SPFL has confirmed that it will be moved to St Johnstone’s McDiarmid Park on Wednesday, April 17, with Dundee making arrangements for fans of both teams to attend. If the game requires to be moved to McDiarmid Park, it will still be categorised as a Dundee FC ‘home game’.

“The SPFL is grateful for the assistance of St Johnstone and will make a further announcement tomorrow.”