Celtic release 96-word statement over Aberdeen postponement as matter raised with SPFL

The Premiership clash against the Dons, which was scheduled for Wednesday at 8pm, was called off just after 4pm after Aberdeen asked for a referee to look at an area of the playing surface at the Merkland Road end of Pittodrie.

Grade one whistler Greg Soutar - who was due to be the fourth official - undertook an inspection and postponed the game on the grounds of player safety.

"There was an area of concern raised about the bottom end within the penalty area,” Soutar said. “I've had a look at it, there's extremely soft mud, it's moving when you put studs in it and there's concern player safety when they're running in it that their studs will just slip.

"The ball's not bouncing in that area either. Player safety is paramount and that's not something I could ensure. It's not one I thought was in doubt, it's a fairly straightforward decision."

Aberdeen chief executive Alan Burrows later explained that the club had made the request for a pitch inspection at 1.30pm and that the pitch had suffered from incessant rainfall in the north east.

"Around 1.30pm we asked the SFA for someone to come and look at the pitch - it's taken a bit longer unfortunately, and because of that the postponement's after 4pm which is unfortunate,” said Burrows. “I understand some people will have already had to set off, and we apologise for that."

And while Celtic say they “understand” the decision to postpone the match, they have expressed disappointment that the verdict was not made earlier in the day, with the team already in Aberdeen and supporters having started their journey to Pittodrie.

What Celtic had to say

A 96-word statement on Thursday afternoon read: “It is extremely regrettable that last night’s match against Aberdeen was postponed, particularly at such a late stage.

“While we understand the decision, clearly, we sympathise with our supporters, many of whom had begun making their journeys or had arrived in Aberdeen already.

“We have raised the matter with the SPFL, to understand whether the SPFL Pitch Inspection Protocol was followed correctly.

“In our view, there must be the ability to make earlier decisions on matches.

“We are very sorry that our fans have been inconvenienced in this way and thank you sincerely for your support.”

The match between Aberdeen and Celtic was not the only top-flight game to be postponed on Wednesday evening. Dundee’s match against Motherwell also fell foul of the rain. Alternative dates for the two matches will be communicated in due course.