Martin O'Neil criticises Dunfermline surface

Celtic manager criticises Dunfermline's artificial surface

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has warned that the use of artificial pitches will kill football. O'Neill's side overcame the surface at East End Park to defeat Dunfermline 4-1 last night, but he wasn't happy.

O'Neill was concerned at the increasingly slippery conditions, said: "This is not football as we know it. If this catches on, we might as well head for Siberia as they have the same kind of pitches there. The very best players will leave the country."

Several other clubs have inquired about using the same kind of surface adopted as an experiment this season by Dunfermline, who received a UEFA grant.

O'Neill took the opportunity to voice his opinion as victory for his side ensured he could not be accused of sour grapes. Indeed, he suggested that the surface did not suit Dunfermline's own passing style and used Pars striker Stevie Crawford as an example.

"You are talking about football and young Crawford ran out of play and nearly broke his neck," he said. "It was like an absolute ice rink at the end. We've had to completely adjust to a different kind of football."