Title: Pitch Problems and Player Worries: Tractor’s Pre-Derby Hurdles
Ahead of the crucial Persian Gulf Pro League derby against Persepolis, Tractor Football Club finds its preparations overshadowed by significant concerns regarding the playing surface at its home stadium, the Yadegar-e-Emam Stadium in Tabriz.
A Troubled Hybrid Pitch Project
The core of the issue lies with the stadium’s new hybrid grass pitch. A six-month operational project to install the surface has yet to yield ideal results. Recent images indicate that the pitch’s condition has not significantly improved, with reports suggesting that approximately 70% of the natural grass has failed to grow adequately. This situation has become a major point of anxiety for the Tabriz-based club.
Injuries and Unplayable Conditions
The poor state of the pitch is not merely an aesthetic concern. During Tractor’s recent match against Al-Shorta, the surface was directly blamed for causing player injuries. The lack of sufficient natural grass reportedly forced players to compete on a surface somewhere between artificial turf and bare earth, leading one player to describe it as “the worst pitch I have ever seen!”
A Logistical and Administrative Challenge
The timing is particularly unfortunate for Tractor. The club recently secured a significant administrative victory, obtaining permission to host its fans for the upcoming high-stakes match. However, this achievement is now tempered by the uncertainty surrounding the venue.
While local sports authorities in East Azerbaijan province are responsible for the stadium’s maintenance, the reasons for the pitch’s failure remain a subject of discussion. Official explanations have so far failed to satisfy concerned fans. Some officials have indirectly suggested that Tractor’s own insistence on hosting a previous match at the stadium contributed to the damage, a claim that has been met with skepticism.
Underlying Causes and Future Implications
Expert analysis cited in reports points to “pest infestation and fungal growth” as the primary causes, issues typically related to maintenance protocols. Questions have also been raised about the project’s initial timing and the enforcement of strict access controls to protect the surface during its establishment phase.
With the derby against Persepolis fast approaching, the club and its supporters face a dilemma. There is a palpable fear that the match could be relocated from the Yadegar-e-Emam Stadium, depriving Tractor of its home advantage. Even if the game proceeds as planned, the subpar pitch quality poses a risk of further player injuries and could compromise the integrity of the contest.
The situation presents a significant challenge for all parties involved, with the focus now on finding a viable solution that ensures a safe and fair sporting event.