Scottish Cup tie postponed and new date set after 'almost impossible task' to get game on
Second call-off in space of three days at Pittodrie
The Scottish Cup tie between Aberdeen and Motherwell scheduled to take place this weekend has been postponed after Pittodrie failed a pitch inspection for the second time in three days.
The midweek Scottish Premiership fixture between the Dons and Celtic was called off around four hours before kick-off due to a waterlogged surface, resulting in Celtic raising a complaint with the SPFL.
Now the fifth round cup tie against Motherwell has followed suit with persistant rainfall in the Aberdeen area hindering repair efforts on an unplayable area of the pitch at the Merkland End.
An early inspection was called on Friday with a Scottish FA official confirming that the game, which had been due to kick-off at 7.30pm on Saturday live on Premier Sports, cannot go ahead. The tie has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 18.
An Aberdeen statement read: "Our Scottish Cup match against Motherwell due to take place tomorrow evening has been postponed. In order to minimise disruption for both sets of supporters, it was agreed between all parties to host a preliminary inspection.
"A match official carried out an assessment at 2pm today and given the current condition of the pitch, and with no prospect of improved weather in the next 24 hours, an early decision has been taken to postpone tomorrow’s Scottish Cup tie.
"Following the postponement of the Celtic match earlier this week, the ground staff and maintenance teams at Pittodrie have been working tirelessly to get the pitch in playable condition, however, the unprecedented and continuous rainfall has made it an almost impossible task to repair the problem area in front of the Merkland goal. We apologise to supporters for the inconvenience."
Motherwell also updated their supporters with a statement which read: "A match official inspected the Pittodrie surface and deemed the pitch not playable at this time. With continued rainfall expected between now and kick off in Aberdeen, an early decision has been made to ensure the 1,100 Motherwell supporters do not begin travel to Aberdeen, as well as the Motherwell squad.
"Whilst we remain disappointed at the match not taking place tomorrow night, we appreciate the transparency and proactiveness of all parties during this process. Those who are unable to attend the rescheduled fixture should come to the Motherwell FC ticket office and a refund will be arranged for you."
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