● League insists synthetic surfaces in Scotland meet required standard after Gerrard’s criticism sparks fresh debate

The Scottish Professional Football League have defended the use of artificial pitches throughout their four divisions, insisting they have the backing of world governing body Fifa.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard became the latest high-profile figure to criticise synthetic surfaces in Scottish football after his winger Jamie Murphy suffered a knee injury at Rugby Park on Sunday.

Gerrard claimed such pitches should not be permitted in the top flight, adding his voice to those such as Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers who has previously condemned their use.

But such complaints look set to fall on deaf ears with the SPFL claiming they adopt strict and regular inspections to ensure the safety and suitability of all synthetic pitches being used by their member clubs.

“The use of artificial playing surfaces is permitted within the SPFL rules and prevalent in Fifa competitions,” an SPFL spokesman told The Scotsman.

“All pitches of this nature must undergo an independent inspection against Fifa criteria before they are approved. Once in operation they must then pass an annual Fifa inspection. Premiership pitches also face three in-season random inspections from the SPFL to ensure they meet required standards.”

There are now three artificial playing surfaces in the

0 Jamie Murphy lies in a crumpled heap on Kilmarnock’s artificial pitch and had to be replaced during the 3-1 Betfred Cup win on Sunday.