SPFL artificial pitch ban: Plan ‘flawed’, say four lower league clubs

They expressed disappointment that a “constructive and well-considered alternative proposal” has been adopted or incorporated into the Premiership plan.

“Our view is that this decision is poorly thought through and we do not believe it is acceptable for just 12 clubs to make this decision,” the clubs stated, claiming it threatens the solidarity achieved when the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League merged to create the SPFL.

The four clubs argue that, as Scotland is the world’s most northerly non-Arctic nation, the “climate simply isn’t always conducive to having perfect grass pitches due to high levels of rainfall, minimal sunshine and high cloud coverage”.

“The costs associated with achieving the highest possible standard of grass pitches, year-round, could be more than £750,000 per annum, with a large percentage of this attributed to the electricity required to fuel grass growth lamps,” they added.

“It is therefore very difficult for the majority of Scottish clubs to achieve the highest possible standard of playing surface, as it is cost prohibitive.

“There’s no question that a top-quality, Uefa-approved artificial surface is far superior, in every respect, than a sub-standard grass pitch, which we routinely see in the winter months of Scottish football.”

The four clubs suggested there should be stricter rules governing the age and quality of artificial surfaces and financial help of up to £1.5m offered to promoted clubs if a new rule forces them to change to a grass pitch.

With Livingston being relegated this season, Kilmarnock will be left as the only Premiership club with an artificial surface unless Raith are promoted, but the Ayrshire club plan a return to grass in 2025.