Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reacts to SPFL drama involving Dundee and Rangers

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been discussing the issues around Dundee’s poor pitch at Dens Park and their recent postponement drama with Rangers.

The Ibrox side are not happy that their match has been called off due to a waterlogged surface on two occasions now. The fixture is now set to be played next Wednesday mid-week.

There’s no guarantee that will be at Dens either, with the SPFL confirming they are exploring the possibility of moving the game to an alternative venue if there are further issues. Much depends on the weather on Tayside over the coming days.

For now, Celtic have the chance to stay top of the Scottish Premiership this weekend.

Brendan Rodgers isn’t thinking too much about week-to-week positions in his response to a question on the matter today, also sharing his feelings about the ongoing situation.

Brendan Rodgers on recent SPFL fixture issues

The Celtic boss said [Celtic YouTube]: “I believe in where you aim to finish at the end of the season. How you collect your points, that’s all that matters.

“Obviously I saw the game getting postponed which is unfortunate for the two managers because you make your preparations. You can only ever concentrate on your own team and your own job.”

Asked about comments from Hibernian suggesting that the ‘sporting integrity’ of the Premiership is being eroded due to the Game being played after crucial fixtures this weekend, Rodgers responded: “All I know is that both times I’ve been up here, the Games have always – I’ve been led to believe – had to be complete before the split.

“That’s the only thing that’s ever been made clear. I know from my time here and speaking to the guys there have been moments when they’ve wanted to have the games, and they haven’t been able to be changed. It’s unfortunate but it’ll be something for the league that they have to try and control.”

Brendan Rodgers wants a high standard of pitches

Asked if he feels the saga has been damaging for the league, Rodgers responded: “It’s not a great look. Both Games were to be televised. Especially in April, I know we’ve had a wee bit of rain but you’d still expect to be able to get the Game on.

“There’s clearly a big issue with the pitch there. It’s nothing Tony Docherty and his Football staff can control. I know I was up there early in the season, it looked very slippy and not what it used to be.

“I certainly know in my first time here I always felt Dundee was one of the best pitches, a big nice open space to play and the pitch was always in a good condition.

“It doesn’t have a good look. It’s something that I’ve always talked about up here. The standard of football pitches have to be at the highest possible level to produce the best football that we can to entertain the supporters, because that’s our job.”

Celtic play St Mirren on Saturday and will stay ahead of the Ibrox side with a win. If victory is secured, the Bhoys will move four points clear before Rangers Travel away to Ross County and then Dundee ahead of the league formally splitting.

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