Dundee to fight Rangers on five-figure compensation claim over Dens Park pitch fiasco

Dundee are fighting Rangers’ claim for compensation over their twice-postponed Dens Park clash.

The Ibrox side has demanded a five figure sum to cover their travel and overnight expenses ahead of the Scottish Premiership postponements in March and April. Both matches were called off just hours before kick-off because of a waterlogged surface. Dundee are in dialogue with Rangers’ officials and the league over the issue. The Tayside club is not making any comment but has made it clear they do not intend to reimburse Rangers.

The Light Blues twice stayed overnight at a St Andrews base and Dundee have made it clear that was their choice and it is not up to them to pick up the tab. Tony Docherty’s side has already been hit in the pocket by SPFL chiefs over the two postponements. They were hit with a £150,000 fine after they had five call offs during the campaign, although £120,000 was suspended and will only be payable if a match is called off because of the pitch before the end of next season.

Dundee also had to pay just over £36,000 to the league after they brought in pitch specialists and also to cover some of the monies lost by broadcaster Sky over the call-offs. The Dens club are ready to rip up their pitch and spend a substantial six figure sum to bring it up to scratch for the new season.