Hamilton's under-soil heating failed down one touchline and, to prevent abandonment of the Aberdeen game, they agreed with the SPL to take four yards off the length of the pitch. Hamilton issued a statement, saying, "The underground heating system has been on all week in view of the current cold weather.

"They system has previously been used this season against Kilmarnock on 29/11/08 and worked perfectly and has worked perfectly on test other times."

It continued: "Unfortunately, in the changeover of the fuel to the delivery pump, we believe an airlock in one of the pipes occurred, about one yard from the touchline along the main stand side, leading to that small strip of the pitch becoming slightly harder as the morning wore on.

"After consultation between both clubs, the match officials, The SPL Delegate, contact was made with SPL officials and Board Members, and agreement was given to bring the touchline in by two yards on both sides of the ground.

"The dimensions of the pitch, which was 115 yards x 75 yards, the recommended standard international size, still comply with Laws of the Game and SPL recommendations."

Despite having the opportunity to reject playing the game, Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood said he felt they had to play for the sake of the 4,000 travelling Dons supporters.

Hamilton won the game 2-0.