Many fans and experts were unpleasantly surprised by the state of the lawn of the Oleksiy Butovsky stadium in Poltava during the match of the 6th round of the Ukrainian championship between Vorskla and Rukh (0:0). "Ukrainian Footballasked the president of the Ukrainian Premier League, Yevhen Dykyi, for a comment.
The lawn of Vorskla stadium named after Oleksiy Butovsky. Screenshot: tribuna.com
- Mr. Yevgeniy, how can you comment on the quality of the pitch in Poltava and did it affect the attractiveness of the TV picture?
- Unfortunately, the pitch was of poor quality, to put it mildly. It was difficult for the players of both teams to demonstrate their abilities, and the risk of injury increased. This was also noted by the match delegate. In general, games on such pitches do not benefit the popularization of the UPL - this is true. We hope everyone will draw the right conclusions from this situation. After all, the UPL clubs are actually making a lot of efforts to improve our joint product, and such episodes spoil the overall background of the television picture.
- How can the UPL influence the pitches that have been the subject of complaints? What decision will be made regarding the stadium in Poltava?
- The readiness of the stadium, which is allowed to host matches of UPL clubs by the relevant UAF Committee, is determined immediately before the game by the delegate and the referee of the match. At the same time, we all understand that the quality of the lawn is an unstable value, it can change both for the better and, unfortunately, for the worse from the moment of certification of the stadium.
Together with the Committee on Stadiums and Competition Safety, we have set up a special commission that is leaving for Poltava tomorrow. Based on the results of this commission's work, appropriate decisions will be made. As the situation needs to be resolved promptly.
- How does the UPL generally assess the condition of the lawns at UPL matches?
- Most stadiums have either high-quality or just good lawns. And matches on such pitches help create a more attractive picture both for spectators in the stands and for television viewing. Together we are developing a common project of all the clubs - UPL TV. And it is in our common interest to create the best conditions for a high-quality picture.
Pavlo Klymenko
