Rangers manager Mark Warburton is against the promotion and adaption of artificial pitches in Scotland, and highlighted that consistency along with its long term impact on players is the major concern of playing on such pitches.
The Gers are scheduled to play on artificial pitches in their next three games, which are against Alloa Athletic, Kilmarnock and Queen of South, respectively, before returning to the grass pitch of Ibrox for the clash against St. Mirren on 27th February.
A survey conducted by SPFA chief executive Fraser Wishart indicated that 73% of the 700 players of the SPFL would prefer to play on a deteriorating grass surface than on artificial pitch.
Warburton supported the comments made by the SPFA and would like clubs to refrain from using plastic pitches unless there is conclusive evidence on its long term effects on players and their bodies.
The 53-year-old also underlined inconsistency among the artificial pitches and feels that his side will experience three different pitches in their upcoming three games on artificial surfaces.
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Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Warburton said: “I think the comments are very sensible by the PFA, you don’t have enough evidence of the long term impact on players, in terms of their joints or injuries.
“Of course you get the superficial ones, players come off the game and they have cuts and bruises.
"We had to drop Danny Wilson, missed a few days of training as he had deep cuts and lacerations to the legs, but they are short term, it’s the impact and the wear and tear of players, who are training daily on the artificial surfaces and playing competitive games.
“I understand the financial implications, I get that fully, but we have to look at the wear and tear and to promote more artificial surfaces is the wrong move, personally.
“People have spoken about the inconsistency of artificial pitches. We are going to play on three in next three games, three complete different surfaces all artificial, described as artificial, but all very different.
“So, I am sure the consistency is one issue, and the long term impact is the second issue.”
The Gers travel to Recreation Park to take on Alloa Athletic tomorrow, and Waburton’s men will be hoping to maintain their strong position at the top of the Scottish Championship.
