The SFPL may respond to Philippe Clement’s request for a plastic pitch since he considers Kilmarnock’s surface to be a “disadvantage” for Rangers.
The Belgian manager has pointed to Europe’s top divisions, following in the footsteps of his Ibrox predecessors, to express his disapproval of the usage of artificial fields in Scottish football’s top flight.
Rangers’ record at Rugby Park is already questionable enough, even without taking into account the field’s alleged ability to change games, according to Philippe Clement.
However, based on stories from earlier in the season, the Rangers manager may still receive a response from the SPFL, as plastic pitches may be banned starting in the next season.
Clement Philippe criticizes plastic pitches
Before Rangers’ trip to Kilmarnock, Philippe Clement gave a candid and open statement to the media regarding his thoughts on Rugby Park’s plastic pitch.
Relegation-threatened Livingston have rejected requests to tear up the surface and go back to grass in 2026, despite the Ayrshire club’s plans to do so. This is because of the associated costs.
Even though there won’t be any justifications at Ibrox, according to Clement, Rangers will immediately suffer from the fact that players like the injured Kemar Roofe will not be playing against Kilmarnock because of the surface.
Though because of the pitch, you have to adjust to a whole new level of football. Although it was difficult, we had to repeat what we had done in Livingston.
“It will be a completely different game than we usually play, but there is only one importance, and that is scoring three points.”
“There will be a lot of things (different),” Clement responded when questioned later regarding the challenge on the plastic pitch. I used a tennis match as an example of the comparison.
“Playing on a clay court or at Wimbledon is somewhat similar to that. It’s different sports, of course.
“You must be more exact since the ball moves more quickly. When you pass the ball on a grass pitch, it eventually slows down; on an artificial surface, it either maintains its speed or accelerates as it moves forward. The way the ball bounces is very different. You must adjust your body to the fact that you cannot place your foot beneath the ball like you would on a grass pitch when making passes in the air or shoots on goal. There are other differences, including the manner in which one turns, sprints, and stops.
“It is what it is.” The league has decided that certain surfaces can continue be used for play for the time being. In the Premier League, La Liga, and other top leagues, I don’t think it’s still feasible.
“I’ve heard that everyone in Scotland is now persuaded that it’s not the proper way to play football, but we’re still going to go there in order to win three points. We’re going to go there to get the three points, as I’ve stated before, regardless of whether we have to play on that field or in the parking lot.
Afterwards, speaking briefly about Kemar Roofe, I said, “I cannot select Kemar Roofe again due to the surface.”
“That’s a clear message from my medical staff that playing on that kind of pitch is disadvantageous because it’s too risky after his injury and amount of injuries.”
Rangers manager may get wish from SPFL
Although Rangers manager Philippe Clement bemoans Scotland’s plastic pitches, he may soon witness some improvement in the nation.
The Daily Record published an article in early December alleging that Neil Doncaster and the SPFL were contemplating a vote to permanently outlaw the pitches at the Scottish Premiership level.
According to the report, there may be a grace period for players like Kilmarnock and Livingston to adjust their strategies before the modifications are implemented as early as next season.
Up to 25% of Scottish Premiership stadiums have used plastic fields at some point in recent seasons; Hamilton Academicals, Livingston, and Kilmarnock were all once in the top division.
Although this issue has vexed a number of Rangers managers, these soundbites may soon become obsolete as we wait for an update on the SPFL’s stance.
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