PLASTIC PITCHES could be scrapped from the Premiership before next season begins, according to a report.
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster is said to be leading talks over the possibility of putting a banning order on synthetic surfaces in the top flight, with a decision to be made in the coming months.
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Further discussions will be scheduled with clubs in the New Year and it could see a vote on “grass only” pitches come into fruition.
Livingston and Kilmarnock are the only two clubs in the Premiership which have all-weather surfaces in their stadiums, but they could be forced to renovate their grounds if Doncaster’s plan is successful.
The news come from the Daily Record – who claim the changes could be made as early as this season.
It’s suggested the two teams will be granted a period to get the required work done if the vote goes against their favour.
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Killie chairman Billy Bowie has already confirmed that the club is planning to rip up their current astro turf at Rugby Park during the 2025/26 season.
But that could change drastically and it could now be gone before the start of next season instead.
Livingston have yet to make any similar announcement regarding their pitch, with the club’s chiefs happy to continue playing on their current 3G surface.
However, David Martindale has revealed he would be keen to see grass at Almondvale – only if the Lions receive hefty financial backing from the SPFL to make the change.
He said: “I’d rather have a grass park and if the authorities want to give us a couple of million then we’ll have one with undersoil heating and a separate training ground.
“Realistically, it’d cost us between £2m-£3m.We’re paying for VAR and energy costs have increased. Overall, we’re handing out £300,000-400,000 extra and our incoming revenue doesn’t match that. It’ll be five or 10 years before we can be where Kilmarnock are now.
“We’re the only team in the Premiership that doesn’t own their stadium – the only licence we own is the one from the SFA – and since returning to the Premiership in 2018 we’ve spent £600,000 upgrading the ground.”
The Lions’ might have what is considered an “all-weather” pitch but their weekend clash against Ross County was postponed due to the freezing conditions.
Sections of the turf was frozen solid, making it impossible to play in.
Livingston attempted to fix the pitch ahead of the match and even splashed some cash, spreading 200 kilos of salt across the surface and using covers which they were compelled to purchase by the SPFL.
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