Dundee vs Rangers new date revealed as SPFL confirm 'ongoing disciplinary process' over Dens Park pitch

A new date for Rangers ' trip to Dundee has been pencilled in for NEXT WEEK as the SPFL confirmed an ongoing disciplinary process surrounding the pitch issues at Dens Park.

The Light Blues travelled to Dundee last night ahead of their rearranged fixture despite doubts over the pitch due to the weather. Don Robertson - the man in the middle for the clash - was drafted in for an 11am pitch inspection with the park passed at that point but after a second check at 3.30pm, the fixture has been postponed for a second time and FIFTH call-off at Dens Park this campaign.

The match will now be played on Wednesday, April 17, live on Sky Sports - the midweek AFTER the final round of fixtures pre-split are scheduled to take place. This could mean a nervy wait for Hibs or Motherwell should Dundee lose at Aberdeen this weekend to see if they will be part of the top six party or seeing out the season in the bottom half of the table.

A statement read: "The SPFL has confirmed that this evening’s cinch Premiership fixture between Dundee and Rangers at the Scot Foam Stadium, Dens Park, has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The match referee carried out an inspection of the playing surface this morning and deemed it to be playable, but noting the adverse weather forecast for later today, arranged a further pitch inspection for 3.30pm with the agreement of both clubs.

"At the 3.30pm pitch inspection the pitch was deemed to be unplayable, and the fixture has now been rescheduled to Dens Park next Wednesday, April 17th, live on Sky Sports, with an 8.00pm kick-off."

Calum Beattie, chief operating officer at the SPFL, said: “The match referee has carried out two detailed pitch inspections today and in light of the forecast for heavy rain later today in Dundee, a decision has now been taken that the pitch will not be playable this evening.

“Whilst this development is extremely disappointing, we have had contingency measures in place since last month and informed both clubs by email on March 21st of our intention, should tonight’s game fall victim to the weather, that we would rearrange the game for Dens Park on the evening of Wednesday, April 17th. In the last week we have explored other possible options with both clubs but none of them were deemed to be better than our original contingency plan.

“This decision gives this vital fixture the very best chance of being played in front of both sets of supporters and also gives us a week to finalise further contingency planning in the event that the weather unexpectedly deteriorates in the interim.

“There is currently an ongoing disciplinary process regarding pitch issues at Dens Park and the latest developments will form part of those enquiries.”