Aberdeen chief executive Alan Burrows expressed regret over the timing of the postponement against Celtic, saying the club had requested a pitch inspection earlier but were told no referee was available at that stage…
🗣️ “It was a fairly straightforward decision in respect of the player’s safety”
Fourth official Greg Soutar explains why the Pittodrie pitch failed a pitch inspection ahead of tonight’s game between Aberdeen and Celtic ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/eMnxdIvPTP
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 4, 2026
The fixture was ultimately scrapped after fourth official Greg Souttar made the journey to Pittodrie to carry out a 4pm inspection of the playing surface.
Burrows said the club had flagged concerns in advance and sought an assessment at 1.30pm, but the late decision meant some supporters from both sides were already en route for the scheduled evening kick-off.
The section of concern for Aberdeen was the penalty box directly in front of the Merkland Stand.
Alan Burrows. Photo Vagelis Georgariou
“Our groundsmen worked to remove that, unfortunately, it is very wet and soggy. When we were doing our own testing there wasn’t a lot of bounce of the ball.”
“Early this afternoon at 1.30pm we asked the SPFL and SFA for somebody to come and have a look at the pitch. It has taken a bit longer, with the postponement after 4pm, which is unfortunate, but it is still the right decision.”
“Hopefully, with less than four hours it might stop people travelling although there will have been others who have already set off and I apologise to them for that. Unfortunately, between 1pm and 4pm we had to wait for a referee. Unfortunately, inevitably, it was a very short inspection.”
The Pittodrie pitch this afternoon. Aberdeen v Celtic has been postponed following a pitch inspection. Photo Chris Sutton
Burrows added: “We were all desperate to have the game on. There was a big crowd here inside Pittodrie. “We have got some new players bought in the transfer window and they were likely to feature tonight, so there was a lot of excitement about the game.”
“Unfortunately, there is a small area in front of the Merkland Stand in the goalmouth is worse for wear after what has been a really difficult spell of weather over the past month or so. Unfortunately, we are unable to get the game on tonight.”
🗣️ “I think we’re on 30-odd consecutive days of rain and snow!”
Watch more shots of the pitch inspection at Pittodrie, plus hear from Aberdeen chief executive Alan Burrows as their match against Celtic was postponed, despite the best efforts of ground staff ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/XttUTzYrHy
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 4, 2026
So Aberdeen CEO has taken time to apologise to the Celtic supporters who yesterday were on their way to Pittodrie ahead of the postponement decision being made. A CEO prepared to apologise to the Celtic support? What do you think about that Michael?
Brian Wilson, Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 10, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Celtic return to action on Saturday evening against Dundee at Celtic Park in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup. This match is subject to a boycott call from the Celtic Fans Collective as protests against the various board imposed bans escalate further.
Conor Spence
Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order
