Rangers demand 5-figure payment from SPFL club over controversial clash – report

Rangers are demanding five-figure compensation from Dundee over their twice-postponed fixture at Dens Park, according to the Scottish Sun.

The paper reported via their website on 2 May that the Light Blues have hit their SPFL rivals with a “similar bill” to that imposed by the league – £36,429.60 in “compensation to the SPFL for television and pitch specialist costs”.

The Gers have “taken moves” to recoup their expenses from Dundee owner John Nelms, having spent on travel costs and two wasted overnight stays for the fixture, which was called off by Don Robertson on two occasions over a waterlogged pitch.

Philippe Clement’s side eventually drew the game 0-0 at the third attempt (17 April), following extensive controversy over the Dark Blues playing surface.

Rangers look to hit Dundee with financial penalty over Dens Park

Dundee have committed to investing in the pitch in the summer but that clearly is too late for the postponed fixtures this term.

It is impossible to say what effect two false starts in travelling to the game and returning to Glasgow without having played had on the Rangers squad.

That the match eventually went ahead during a period where previous momentum had been comprehensively lost following the international break saw the Light Blues drop more points to Celtic.

Clement’s men can’t use that as an excuse for their poor performance on the night, but it was clearly far from ideal preparations.

It is little surprise that the club are looking to be reimbursed, and after Dundee were fined and obliged to provide TV compensation even before they can put the cash into work after the campaign concludes it has turned into an expensive issue for the hosts.

Stuart Kettlewell also criticised the club for investing in their squad rather than their facilities [Daily Record, 6 April], but in light of what it is now looking like costing them they might be wishing they had sorted it in the first place.

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