The Scottish Premiership has been forced to postpone two of its matches on Wednesday after Storm Gerrit made it impossible for the visiting teams to travel. The Rangers’ match against Ross County at Ibrox and the Aberdeen versus Motherwell game have been called off, and we have yet to set a new date. Snowfall, rainfall, and powerful winds have hit the A9, leading to closures and stand-stills along Scotland’s longest road. The SPFL’s decision to cancel the matches prioritizes the safety of fans, players, and staff.
It’s the second time in three weeks that Rangers have had a home fixture called off due to weather conditions, having been forced to abandon their St Stephen’s Day clash against Dundee after a waterlogged pitch. It also means that the Ibrox club will have to wait until January for their first league win at home since November, leaving them five points behind Celtic with a game in hand.
Aberdeen, meanwhile, were left disappointed after having their match against Motherwell called off with just four hours to go before kick-off. The Dons were hoping the game would go ahead, with chief executive Alan Burrows revealing earlier in the day that the Pittodrie pitch was still in good condition and ground staff working around the clock to ensure it was playable.
However, with heavy snowfall making roads in the north of Scotland treacherous and rail services canceled north of Aberdeen, it was deemed that it would be too hazardous for Motherwell fans to make the trip from their homes to the city. It is the second time this season that the Aberdeen versus Motherwell fixture has been canceled due to weather, with the first being postponed last month after a waterlogged pitch was deemed unplayable.
The decision to call off the game has not surprised many observers, with both clubs citing the adverse weather conditions. Rangers have not had a home win in their last three games and are five points behind Celtic, while Motherwell’s run of just one victory in the past six league games leaves them eight points adrift in eighth place.
The rest of the SPL’s fixtures are expected to advance, with Celtic facing Hibernian in the derby at Easter Road and St Mirren playing Kilmarnock in Paisley. Aberdeen are away to Hearts in their next match and host Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Rangers’ next home game is against Hamilton Academical on January 19, with the Old Firm match against Celtic a week later at Ibrox.
