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Hampden Park pitch to be re-laid for Scottish Cup semi-finals

Harry Forrester Rangers hurt at Hampden
Image: Rangers Harry Forrester lies prostrate at Hampden before being taken off

The Hampden Park pitch will be re-laid for the second time this season ahead of the Scottish Cup semi-finals on April 16 and 17.

The much-maligned surface at Scotland's national stadium was dug up before the League Cup final last month and will be ripped out once again after Sunday's Challenge Cup final between Rangers and Peterhead.

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Rangers manager Mark Warburton was scathing in his assessment of the situation after that match and his Peterhead counterpart Jim McInally was equally dismissive of the current state of affairs.  

A spokesman said: "The playing surface will be re-laid to ensure its optimal condition ahead of next weekend's Scottish Cup semi-finals.

There have been numerous problems with the pitch at Hampden in the past
Image: There have been numerous problems with the pitch at Hampden in the past

"While the pitch is in an adequate playing condition, and has been professionally managed with an extensive maintenance and nutrition programme, regrettably it became evident that the rye grass in certain strips had not grown as expected.

"Given the recent six-figure investment, we expressed our concerns through the established supply chain and reached agreement that a new surface would be re-laid.

Rangers' Harry Forrester celebrates as Peterhead's Ally Gilchrist scores a own goal.
Image: The pitch is to be dug up after Rangers Challenge Cup defeat of Peterhead

"We spoke to our colleagues at the SPFL to assure them the decision would have no impact on the Petrofac Training Cup final.

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"We are confident that this action will provide the best possible playing surface for the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals and, indeed, the climax to the Scottish football season."

Hibernian face Dundee United while Rangers tackle Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-finals on April 16 and 17 respectively; both matches are Live on Sky Sports.

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