Celtic's highly anticipated Scottish Premiership encounter with Dundee has been dramatically called off just hours before kick-off, as Storm Babet's relentless downpour left the Dens Park pitch completely waterlogged and unsafe for play.
Second Inspection Seals Fate
Match official Don Robertson conducted a second pitch inspection at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, following an initial assessment the previous evening. The verdict was unequivocal: the saturated surface posed unacceptable risks to player safety, forcing the postponement despite both clubs' desperate hopes for the game to proceed.
Storm Babet's Wrath
The decision comes as Scotland battles the ferocious impact of Storm Babet, which has unleashed torrential rainfall across the country. Dundee's ground staff fought valiantly against the elements, but the persistent deluge proved overwhelming, transforming sections of the pitch into virtual swimming pools.
Fixture Chaos Looms
The cancellation creates significant scheduling headaches for both clubs. Celtic, fresh from their 6-0 demolition of Aberdeen, were seeking to maintain their Premiership momentum. Meanwhile, Dundee faced the daunting task of hosting the league leaders amid challenging circumstances.
Critical factors behind the postponement:
- Multiple areas of the pitch were completely waterlogged
- Player safety concerns due to unstable surface conditions
- Ongoing heavy rainfall with no signs of abatement
- Potential damage to the playing surface from forced play
What Happens Next?
Scottish Premiership authorities now face the complex task of rescheduling this vital fixture. Both Celtic and Dundee will need to navigate an already congested calendar, with European commitments and domestic cup competitions adding to the scheduling puzzle.
The Scottish FA has emphasised that player welfare remains the paramount consideration, supporting the match official's difficult decision to prioritise safety over spectacle.
