SPL set to probe Lions' frozen pitch

GRAEME CROSER

LIVINGSTON’S postponed SPL clash with Hearts seems certain to be rescheduled for late January.

Referee Kenny Clark called the game off less than two hours before kick-off yesterday after deeming the Almondvale pitch unplayable.

Despite the West Lothian club’s insistence that its undersoil heating had been switched on since last Wednesday, the area around the South Stand goalmouth had not thawed sufficiently for the official’s liking.

Livingston manager Richard Gough said: "The timing of the decision is something that must be looked into."

The SPL are set to launch a probe, as secretary Ian Blair confirmed. "The fact the pitch was not fit for play means they are in breach of SPL rules. Any club deemed to be in breach of SPL rules could face sanctions and I will be writing to Vivien Kyles (Livingston’s general manager) inviting her to explain the circumstances."

The next SPL board meeting is scheduled for next month. and any punishment is likely to be decided upon before the game is finally played.

Given next month’s fixture schedule, which includes the third round of the Scottish Cup, the most obviously suitable midweek dates are the 25th and 26th.

Taken from the Scotsman