4 SPFL sides join forces to present 'alternative proposal' over proposed Premiership plastic pitch ban

Four clubs from the SPFL have joined forces to present an 'alternative proposal' over the fresh vote on banning plastic pitches in Scotland's top flight.

Falkirk, Queen of the South, Hamilton Accies and Raith Rovers have all come together to publish a paper after a SPFL statement revealed plans for a new resolution which clubs will vote on, and, if passed, Premiership clubs will require grass pitches from the 2026/27 season. There are also plans in place to improve the standard of grass surface with a vote requiring nine of the 12 clubs in Scotland's top league to vote it through.

The quartet believe that if the vote is passed it will cause significant long-term damage to the Scottish game by undermining sporting integrity, impacting the wider game and create a huge financial entry barrier to the top flight. They state they support the top flight clubs' desire to have the highest quality of playing surfaces and with that in mind have worked together to create the alternative proposal that they have proposed. They want to spark a public debate on the subject by releasing the document and reckon it is NOT acceptable for just 12 clubs to make the big decision as they cited the ill-fated 10,000 seat stadium rule that was once in place.

They've also called on clubs in Scotland to follow the Dutch model with a grant fund that is paid by clubs competing in Europe. This allows all clubs to apply and ensure higher standard of grass surfaces in the Eredivisie - something they'd like mirrored in our league.

A lengthy statement on behalf of the four clubs reads: "In response to the proposal to ban artificial playing surfaces in the Scottish Premiership, over the past few months we have sought constructive dialogue with both the SPFL