Turf words: Robbie Keane is not impressed by Scottish pitches.
Robbie Keane has added to the debate over poor pitches in the SPL by saying the facilities are not good for the Scottish game. Keane’s comments come after Celtic’s win at Falkirk last weekend at a ground that has received more criticism than most.
The Republic of Ireland striker scored both goals in the 2-0 win but admitted that the surface had not made his side’s task easy. Keane said he realised poor weather was the root cause of the problems but that conditions were worse than in previous seasons.
"I don't think many people are used to playing on pitches like that," he said.
"I've been watching it (Scottish football) as an outsider for the last few years and I can't recall the pitches being that bad.
"I don't think the standard of the pitches - thanks to the weather - have helped the league. It's not good for the game."
Celtic were alleged to have complained about Falkirk’s pitch prior to Sunday’s match but Tony Mowbray strenuously denied the claims. Falkirk manager Steven Pressley had expressed his anger at perceived interference and said the pitch would not affect his side, saying “"They are obviously concerned about being able to adapt to the pitch. I have no concerns about my own players.”
The SPL inspected the pitch ahead of the SPL tie and declared it suitable for play. However, both managers admitted after the game that the surface had played its part in the match.
"We knew it would be a difficult day,” Mowbray said.
“They've given us problems in the past and the pitch probably wasn't going to suit what we were trying to do but we had a bit of composure and professionalism"
Falkirk boss Pressley added: "The pitch was an issue for part of the game but our level of football, considering the pitch, was brilliant today.”
