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Dundee could be forced to find alternative venue for Motherwell clash if rain wipes out fixture – but club brands reports ‘speculation’

Dens Park has suffered from a spate of weather-related postponements this season.

Officials explain the decision to call off Sunday's game. Image: Shutterstock
Dundee's pitch has struggled to cope with rain this season. Image: Shutterstock

Dundee could be forced to seek an alternative venue for Saturday’s clash with Motherwell if rain renders the Dens Park pitch unplayable.

The Dark Blues have suffered four weather-related call-offs this season, most recently last month’s live Sky clash with Rangers, which fell victim to the weather just 90 minutes before kick-off.

With Dundee pelted by rainfall this week – and with a further deluge forecast for Friday, into Saturday morning – there is doubt that the playing surface at Dens can cope.

As a result, the SPFL have instructed Dundee to search for a way to ensure Saturday’s game can go ahead.

Don Robertson explains to Dundee and Rangers representatives that pitch is unplayable. Image: Alan Harvey / SNS

That could mean staging it at an alternative venue.

With Dundee set to host Rangers in the rearranged fixture from last month next Wednesday, there are no gaps in the calendar for rescheduled games before the Premiership split.

The final round of fixtures before the top and bottom halves of the division are decided takes place on April 13.

SPFL broadcasters Sky are also keen to clarify their live schedule as soon as possible.

Should Dundee require to host Motherwell at another ground, SPFL rules dictate the venue must be VAR-equipped, meaning St Johnstone’s McDiarmid Park – vacant thanks to Saints’ trip to face Hibs at Easter Road – is the closest alternative.

Dundee response

Dundee responded with a statement posted on their website, describing the work being done to ensure their pitch is playable at the weekend – and for next Wednesday’s clash against Rangers, about which, given the Gers’ title race with Celtic, there is also considerable concern at SPFL level.

It said: “Dundee Football Club want to respond to media speculation regarding the club being forced to move Saturday’s match against Motherwell away from the Scot Foam Stadium. The club want to clarify the situation regarding this.

“As we all know there has been heavy rainfall in the Dundee area since the start of the week.

Referee Don Robertson inspects the pitch during before postponing Dundee’s game against Rangers after rain in the city. Image: SNS

“The club have had a full grounds team along with consultants working on the pitch since the postponement of the Rangers match along with all the associated machinery and this will continue right up until Saturday. Rain covers will then be put down covering the whole pitch.

“The club are doing absolutely everything in its power to get Saturday’s match on and is expecting Saturday’s match to go ahead as planned.

“The club are in regular discussions with the league but no decision to move the match away from the Scot Foam Stadium has been made. The stories circulating in the media are very much media speculation. The club will provide another update to supporters later on today.”

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