Ange Postecoglou against plastic pitches as Celtic boss insists they're not good for punters

Ange Postecoglou believes Scotland’s top flight should NOT have artificial pitches.

The Celtic boss prepared his side on plastic ahead of Sunday's Premiership clash on Kilmarnock’s Astroturf at Rugby Park. The Aussie coach understands the financial reasons why clubs have them. But Postecoglou says the style of play he adopts on grass can’t be replicated on plastic. After seeing other countries ditch artificial pitches, he’d like to see the Scottish Premiership do likewise. And he insists fans are being short changed because the quality of football on show is better on grass.

Before the Hoops’ trip to Ayrshire, Postecoglou said: “I’ve experienced them in the past, at international level when I was Australia boss. We had to go to certain countries where that was all they had. I understand the reasoning behind it but do I like them? No, I think they change the game. Do I think the top league should have them?

“Preferably not, but I understand why they’re here and, while they are, we just have to deal with them. There’s enough evidence around the world to show that some nations went that way – the Dutch certainly did – but they are now reverting back to grass pitches because it’s just more of a natural game.”

The Hoops boss says they are no substitute for a grass pitch. He said: “As much as the artificial pitches try to replicate what happens on grass, it’s a different game. That’s my preference. I don’t like them and I don’t think it’s as good a spectacle for supporters, which is really the business we’re in.”

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