Chris Sutton has voiced his frustration as artificial surfaces continue to feature in Scotland’s top flight, with three plastic pitches set to be in use next season despite a league-wide decision to phase them out by 2026.
The former Celtic striker took to social media following Livingston’s promotion and Falkirk’s return to the Premiership, both clubs boasting synthetic surfaces alongside Kilmarnock. Sutton tweeted: “3 plastic pitches in the Scottish Premiership next season 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️”, summing up the views of many who feel the surface diminishes the standard of football at the highest level in the country.
A vote held last year saw at least nine of the twelve top-flight clubs back a proposal to ban artificial surfaces from the league, with a deadline set for 2026. That gave clubs two seasons to comply. [Sky Sports]
Kilmarnock have publicly committed to moving back to grass, but Livingston, despite the ruling, are set to install a new plastic pitch to replace their current one. Falkirk chief executive Jamie Swinney has refused to rule out a formal challenge to the ban, suggesting legal routes may be explored.
The continuation of synthetic surfaces has long been a point of contention, with players, managers, and pundits raising concerns over injuries, inconsistent bounce, and the overall spectacle of matches played on them.
With the countdown to the 2026 deadline ticking, the debate is far from over. There could be just one more season of plastic pitches in Scotland’s top-flight.
