New pitch for Hampden Park

Hampden Park is to have a new pitch laid on Monday free of charge in time for next week's William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals.

A new surface was put down last month ahead of the Scottish League Cup final between Ross County and Hibernian but came in for heavy criticism.

The announcement was made following today's Petrofac Training Cup final at the national stadium where Rangers beat Peterhead 4-0.

The Ibrox side return to Hampden Park next Sunday for their keenly-awaited meeting with Celtic, the day after Hibernian face Dundee United in the first semi-final.

The pitch process will begin on Monday and will be completed by Tuesday and will be ready for the weekend's fixtures.

Peter Dallas, managing director of Hampden Park Ltd (HPL), said in a statement : "This latest action is deemed necessary after discussions with our pitch supply chain and representatives from the independent Sports Turf Research Institute STRI following the installation of a new surface only five weeks ago.

"While the pitch is in an adequate playing condition, and has been professionally managed with an extensive maintenance and nutrition programme, regrettably it became evident that the rye grass in certain strips had not grown as expected.

"Given the recent six-figure investment, we expressed our concerns through the established supply chain and reached agreement that a new surface would be re-laid at no cost to HPL. We spoke to our colleagues at the SPFL to assure them the decision would have no impact on today's Petrofac Training Cup final.

"We are confident that this action will provide the best possible playing surface for the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals and, indeed, the climax to the Scottish football season.''