19 Dec 2008Motherwell charged over Hearts postponement

Football Technology and Stadia

Motherwell have today (December 19th) been charged with a breach of Scottish Premier League (SPL) rules after they postponed their home clash with Hearts earlier this month.

The fixture was called off on the morning of December 6th after the Fir Park pitch failed an inspection as a result of problems with its undersoil heating.

The club were warned about the state of the pitch last season and now have an opportunity to respond to the charges, with their case being heard in the new year.

An SPL spokesman said: "Clearly, everyone wants to see our games going ahead as scheduled.

"Clubs have a responsibility to make sure that their undersoil heating systems are in working order and used correctly to avoid call-offs in the cold winter weather."

The pitch at Fir Park deteriorated to such an extent during the last campaign as a result of drainage problems that Motherwell were forced to ground-share with Gretna.

Motherwell have only ever won the Scottish top flight once, back in the 1931-32 season.

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