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Page last updated at 10:56 GMT, Friday, 10 December 2010

Three Scottish Premier League matches postponed

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Doncaster explains SPL call-offs

Hamilton's home game against Hibernian on Saturday is the third Scottish Premier League game to be called off this weekend due to adverse weather.

The pitch at New Douglas Park was deemed unplayable following an inspection on Friday morning.

Celtic versus Kilmarnock and Dundee United against Motherwell fell victim to the snowy conditions on Thursday.

Police advised against both games going ahead on safety grounds, while eight Scottish Football League games are off.

There are seven postponements in the Highland League.

"I am slightly surprised that the police have issued advice so early," was the reaction from SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster.

"Especially when a substantial thaw is forecast over the next two days."

Doncaster insisted the SPL, which postponed all last weekend's fixtures because of freezing weather, had no choice but to take the advice of police.

"When police advice is on the grounds of safety, we have no choice but to postpone the games," he said.

Glasgow Warriors insist that their Heineken Cup rugby match against Toulouse would go ahead at Firhill after consultation with police.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle's match against Rangers kicks-off at 1245 GMT, while Hearts against Aberdeen is at 1500, with the match being a delayed broadcast on BBC ALBA.

A worker tries to clear snow from Celtic Park
Roads around Celtic Park are still covered in snow

St Mirren on Friday confirmed that their 1500 kick-off against St Johnstone in Paisley has survived the wintry conditions.

A club statement read: "As part of this morning's pre-ops procedure, the police were happy with the work carried out over the last 24 hours and are pleased to let the game go ahead."

Hearts also say their game against Aberdeen has been given the green light after Tynecastle stadium passed a safety inspection on Friday morning.

The Edinburgh club had to repair snow-related damage to the dugouts caused when snow and ice pulled off gutters from the main stand.

However, supporters travelling to the game are being asked to use public transport as parking in the area will be prohibited.

The turnstiles at the Wheatfield Stand will also be closed - supporters should enter by Gorgie Road.

Ahead of the visit by SPL leaders Rangers, Inverness director of football Graeme Bennett told BBC Scotland: "We have no concerns at all about the game and fully expect to welcome Rangers back from Turkey to Inverness.

"The pitch is under snow but is in perfect condition underneath. We will clear it on Saturday morning and I fully expect the match to go on."

With Tannadice under several inches of snow, Dundee United had warned on Wednesday that conditions around the stadium were causing most concern.


Matches postponed - Saturday, 11 December

Scottish Premier League

Celtic v Kilmarnock
Dundee United v Motherwell
Hamilton v Hibernian

Scottish First Division

Cowdenbeath v Falkirk
Stirling Albion v Raith Rovers

Scottish Second Division

Airdrie United v Dumbarton
Forfar Athletic v Alloa Athletic
Livingston v Ayr United

Scottish Third Division

Albion Rovers v Arbroath
Annan v Clyde
East Stirlingshire v Queen's Park

Highland League

Keith v Huntly
Strathspey Thistle v Wick Academy
Turriff United v Fraserburgh
Rothes v Forres Mechanics
Formartine United v Fort William
Nairn County v Lossiemouth
Inverurie Locos v Cove Rangers



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see also
Clubs close to ruin - Livi chief
09 Dec 10 |  Livingston
Chick Young's view
09 Dec 10 |  Scottish Premier
Glasgow Warriors 16-28 Toulouse
10 Dec 10 |  Glasgow
Eight SFL matches hit by weather
11 Dec 10 |  Scottish League
SPL push for winter break return
08 Dec 10 |  Scottish Premier
Church to Fir Park staff's rescue
07 Dec 10 |  Motherwell
Hearts move to repair snow damage
06 Dec 10 |  Hearts
Scottish sport hit by icy weather
03 Dec 10 |  Scottish Premier
Butcher critical of SPL call-off
02 Dec 10 |  Scottish Premier
Weather wipes out Scottish card
29 Nov 10 |  Scottish League


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