SPL to investigate poor Motherwell playing surface

For the second time in 12 months the Scottish Premier League will conduct an independent investigation into the dreadful state of the Motherwell pitch.

Motherwell reportedly spent £250,000 in order to upgrade their undersoil heating system and install new drains during the close season.

It meant they didn't have to pay the £20,000 suspended fine the SPL handed down to them last year but now they could be brought to book, reports The Telegraph.

“Part of our membership criteria involves clubs having to deliver a pitch of a certain standard,” said SPL communications director Greig Mailer.

“Clearly the current state of the surface at Fir Park is a concern for us and we have asked the club to produce details of what has been done and what is being done in that regard.

“We have also employed an independent expert to examine the pitch and give us his opinion on it. I don't want to second-guess what the outcome of that will be because we are going through that process at the moment.

“The SPL board met last Thursday and won't meet again for another 3-4 weeks but this matter will be decided before then because this is high up on our agenda.

“We need to determine whether or not Motherwell have been in breach of our rules and whether or not they could have done more to prevent the current state of affairs.

“There are questions which we need answers to but our main aim is to improve that surface and to ensure that games can be played on it.”

Motherwell's failure to solve the problem means they could be fined or even face a points deduction.

“There is a range of sanctions open for the board to implement but we'll wait until we have all the information we need,” said Mailer.