Coach Clement’s statement regarding the postponement of Rangers

In response to remarks made by Philippe Clement, referee Don Robertson has spoken his opinion over the decision to postpone the Dundee vs. Rangers match.

The notification was issued around an hour and a half before the scheduled 12pm kick-off on Sunday, March 17. Rangers manager Clement responded strongly to it.

Robertson maintains that it was ultimately an easy call, even though Clement noted that it is probably the only game canceled this weekend anyplace in Scotland.

He stated on Sky Sports News [March 17, 12:15 p.m.] that “we made the decision to postpone today’s match, unfortunately.”

I prioritize the needs of the players above all else. As you can see, there are several [unsafe] spots, mostly in front of one of the dugouts here.
It’s so wet that we had to spread a lot of sand over it. Since the ball isn’t moving or bouncing, I find it easy to conclude that playing is risky.

“We’re guided by the home club in that they will have first sight of the pitch,” Robertson responded when asked if a decision might have been taken earlier in the day.

“They noticed several things to be concerned about when they arrived this morning. They then got in touch with the Scottish FA and the league.
“Thereafter, a local official arrived to do a primary pitch inspection. However, the clubs and SPFL decided to postpone making a definitive decision regarding the pitch’s condition until 10:15, a time that was mutually agreed upon.

“I’ve decided that the match should be postponed after conducting that decision at 10:15.”

Another meeting between Dundee and Dens Park has been postponed.
This season, Dundee has already had four games at Dens Park postponed due to a flooded surface. Even though severe rains are beyond anyone’s control, the surface is obviously unsuitable.

The officials called the game off despite the club staff’s best efforts to keep it playable. It was too little, too late.

Given that his side had arrived at Dens Park by the time of the announcement, it is understandable why Clement was so incensed.

Had they waited a another hour or even an hour and a half, might they have made a choice based on that rationale? If it had been canceled at that moment, it would have been much more annoying, but the weather had cleared up and the pitch appeared to be in good condition.

Sky Sports was providing live coverage of the game, so it’s possible that the broadcaster had some influence over the choice as well.

Rangers now have a match to consider following the international break, as Celtic will now be in the lead for at least the next two weeks.

In other Rangers news, Gary Keown maintains that following his actions, a regular for the team should not be anywhere near the starting lineup against Celtic.