Fraser Wishart, the boss at PFA Scotland has revealed details of a survey of his members – the professional football players in Scotland – that state in no uncertain terms that the game should be played on grass and NOT these horrible 4G pitches.
Hamilton’s plastic pitch was voted the worst playing surface in Scotland closely followed by Hamilton’s and the bad news for grass lovers is that newly promoted Livingston are opting for the plastic for their return to the top flight.
“The results of this survey say the players in the Premiership don’t want to play on artificial surfaces,” Wishart said. He could have added that the fans don’t want to watch matches on these surfaces either – I mean, do you ever see a decent game on them?
“Our members have made it quite clear they don’t rate the artificial surfaces, and they would rather play on grass,” Wishart continued.
“Club owners and decision makers have to listen to what players are saying.
“They have voted in numbers to say they don’t like artificial surfaces, and that should be looked at.
“Too often players’ views are overlooked within football.
“Players are the ones with the intimate knowledge of how a pitch plays, how it feels underfoot, and what type of football has to be played.
“If we’re going to try to develop our game, and get a far better product for supporters, then the surfaces have to be up to scratch.
“The perception of Scottish football is being damaged by the fact teams can’t pass the ball on the poor pitches.
“If you have a great surface you get a great product.”
Scotland aren’t going to the World Cup – again – surely if our game is played on decent grass pitches then that is the starting point to getting somewhere other than also rans. There is a new generation of football supporters in Scotland who have never seen the country at a national tournament.
For the good of the game in Scotland, lose the plastic asap!
