Despite discussions about moving the match to Ibrox, Chris Sutton doesn’t think the under-threat match between Dundee and Rangers can be relocated there.
Speaking live on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club on April 8, the pundit discussed the Light Blues’ upcoming trip to Dens Park for the rescheduled match on Wednesday night. The game is once again expected to be disrupted by bad weather, as the Motherwell visit over the weekend only proceeded due to late pitch inspections.
While Sutton agreed, host Mark Chapman expressed his dismay at the prospect of moving the game to a different venue. It is thought that this is the worst-case scenario contingency plan.
“They’re talking about moving the game,” Sutton stated (45m). There has been discussion about moving the game back to Ibrox, but I don’t think it will happen.
“There has been discussion about potentially changing the location because, when it comes down to it, Scotland naturally has the split next week.”
Chapman, looking puzzled, remarked, “They can’t move the game’s venue.” How, exactly, does… Surely they cannot?
“Avoid killing the messenger,” Sutton answered. “My belief is that they are unable to.”
Rangers trip to Dundee could take Gers top of SPFL above Celtic
If there weren’t an impending split, the game would probably merely be rescheduled for a later time.
However, at this late date, that seems to be unfeasible, or at the very least, highly impractical, so if Dens Park becomes unusable once more, something needs to be done.
Since this game could decide who leads the SPFL, the argument against changing the location will undoubtedly focus on the game’s integrity as a home fixture for Dundee, and anything that could be seen to benefit Rangers will undoubtedly incite indignation at Celtic.
However, it may be claimed that with so much controversy surrounding what has turned out to be a pivotal encounter, the integrity of the game is already being compromised, and to the detriment of the Light Blues.
The likelihood of it being shifted to Ibrox appears very low, since that would give Philippe Clement’s team a significant advantage.
However, it would put the Belgian at a significant disadvantage if it were to take place on a muddy and sandy Dens Park pitch and a crucial Rangers player were hurt—as if they really needed any help doing that already.
It appears at this point that any result will be far from ideal. Stuart Kettlewell was likewise dissatisfied with having to play in his side’s 3-2 triumph, believing the sanded sections rendered the ground unplayable [PLZ Soccer, 6 April].
Neil Lennon was astounded by what a “unbelievable” Gers player performed during the thrilling Old Firm draw.
Follow us on Facebook for more Rangers news, or sign up for our brand-new WhatsApp channel to receive information instantly to your phone.
