Motherwell sanctioned after postponement

The SPL Board today reviewed a detailed technical report and a submission from Motherwell FC as to why their undersoil heating failed to work for the Motherwell v Heart of Midlothian match scheduled at Fir Park Stadium for 6 December which had to be postponed by reason of a partly frozen pitch.

Motherwell FC were found to be in breach of SPL Rule H6.6. The Board also noted the poor standard of Motherwell’s pitch last season which resulted in a number of fixture postponements. It was decided that Motherwell FC should be fined £20,000 by reason of this breach. 

This fine is suspended and will become payable if another league match is postponed at Fir Park this season as a result of pitch conditions at Fir Park or if Motherwell FC fail to make the necessary improvements which they have undertaken to make to their undersoil heating system before the start of next season.

Iain Blair, Company Secretary, said: "Motherwell have provided assurances that steps have been and are being taken to upgrade their system. The suspended nature of this fine will deter any repeat performance."

Motherwell FC have the right to appeal this decision to the SFA.