Why third Dundee vs Rangers pitch inspection didn't happen and reason Don Robertson had seen enough

Don Robertson has explained why a THIRD pitch inspection was not scheduled at Dens Park.

The referee for the clash between Dundee and Rangers checked out the surface at 11am and at that point deemed it playable however following a 3.30pm inspection, the match has been called off with a new date pencilled in for Wednesday, April 17 at 8pm in front of the Sky Sports cameras - the same slot as tonight's now abandoned clash.

Robertson spoke on Sky Sports about the reasoning behind calling off the fixture at this stage and explained why a further inspection was not called for after being asked if one could have been taken at 5pm with the game at 8pm tonight. He explained: "Those decisions are not for me to make. They are for the clubs and the league to decide on when they want inspections. My role is to conduct the pitch inspection when I am asked by the league and make a determination on the suitability of the pitch in terms of the safety of the players at that time.

"Everyone is aware that the forecast is for rain in Dundee so the condition of the pitch at 11am compared to 3.30pm when I have done the second inspection it has deteriorated and it has been raining. It would be logical to assume that with more rain it would deteriorate further. It is not playable at the moment and that's the decision we have made."

It's the second time this fixture alone has been called off in Tayside with Dens Park now falling foul to FIVE fixture call-offs this season due to the pitch. Explaining why tonight's game could not go ahead, Robertson said: "I did an initial inspection at 11. The pitch was playable at that point but obviously everyone is quite aware of the issues Dundee have with their pitch. It's not in great condition but it