Don Robertson issues Dundee vs Rangers pitch inspection update as final decision delayed

Don Robertson insists Dens Park IS playable as things stand - but admits that could change later this afternoon.

The whistler carried out an 11am pitch inspection this morning ahead of Dundee's rearranged Premiership clash with Rangers. Roberston assessed three damaged areas of the dodgy surface and deemed the pitch safe for players to play tonight's game. But with heavy rain forecasted over the coming hours, both clubs have agreed for a further pitch inspection to take place at 3:30pm, where a final decision is expected to be made.

Ref Robertson told Sky Sports News: "I've inspected the pitch at 11am. The pitch is playable at the moment. I was asked by the league to come up this morning and conduct that inspection. Obviously, there have been some issues with the pitch recently. I wanted to come up early and have an early sight of the pitch.

"At the moment, it's playable. I'm quite comfortable that the pitch is playable and safe for the players to play. All areas of the pitch including areas where there were concerns a couple of weeks ago when the match was postponed and subsequently.

"That's the situation just now as we stand. Everyone is aware of the weather forecast for the area this afternoon. So between the clubs and the league, they will decide if there is a further pitch inspection required depending on the weather this afternoon."

With further downpours expected to last until the early hours of tomorrow morning, it remains to be seen how the patched-up surface will hold up ahead of the second pitch inspection, as well as the 8pm kick-off.

A Dundee statement read: "Following this morning’s scheduled pitch inspection the match referee has decided that the pitch is currently playable. However, with rain forecast for later today both clubs and the league have agreed for a further pitch inspection to take place at 3:30pm today."

A Rangers spokesperson said: "Given the forecasted weather conditions in Dundee this afternoon, a further inspection is to be held at 3:30pm. Rangers has continued to insist that a final decision is made as early as possible for our traveling supporters, and fully understands the inconvenience this continues to cause."