Ban artificial pitches call backed by Perth gaffer

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright is standing shoulder to shoulder with the players who want plastic pitches banned in Scotland’s top division.

Wright praised PFA Scotland for the union’s “pro-active” action in calling for artificial surfaces to be removed from Premiership grounds.

The Northern Irishman said it would be hypocritical of him to change his tune now having been against them from the word go.

He also stressed opponents of plastic should not be viewed as Luddites who are scared of embracing change.

Wright said: “I’m not going to be a hypocrite because I have said from day one I don’t think they have a place in our top league. If that makes me a moaner or a dinosaur so be it but I am not alone.

“I am really pleased the PFA have been pro-active and there is overwhelming support for removing artificial pitches from the top league in particular.

“The players have explained the problem they have with them and the authorities really have to listen. It is a strong and powerful statement.

“If you had this sort of response to an issue in the top leagues in England, Spain or Germany the players would be listened to. Something would be done about it.

“The players are the most important people here and they have to be listened to. Let’s be honest, the quality of the pitches just isn’t good enough and if players were allowed to have a free say at clubs that do have artificial surfaces they would be saying the very same thing.”

Wright picked out the surface at the Tony Macaroni Arena for a special mention.

He said: “There was that farcical situation at the start of the season at Livingston. How was that pitch passed as being fit for football, with players swallowing pellets and getting them in their eyes?”

He then moved on to Rugby Park. “We have shown match delegates photographs of bruising and cuts on players’ knees, thighs and thighs after games at Kilmarnock.

“After one match there, players were black and blue but we got no feedback. We all know why they are there. It’s financial and I get that but don’t be saying they are there for the betterment of the game.”

As well as looking for players’ views to be respected, Wright wants the leading men in the dugout to be listened to.

The Saints boss added: “Brendan Rodgers at Celtic has openly said he hasn’t seen a good game on one of these pitches and (Rangers boss) Steven Gerrard has come up from England and doesn’t fancy them.”