Widespread Disruption Across Scottish Football
Eight SPFL matches scheduled for this weekend have been postponed due to the severe impact of Storm Babet, marking one of the most significant weather-related disruptions to Scottish football in recent years. Melbet can reveal that league officials made the decision following urgent consultations with Police Scotland and local authorities, as the Met Office extended its red weather warning for Tayside, Angus, and Aberdeenshire regions.
Affected Fixtures Breakdown
Premiership Postponements
The Scottish Premiership sees three major fixtures affected:
- Dundee’s away match against Aberdeen at Pittodrie Stadium
- St Johnstone versus Motherwell in Perth
- Ross County’s clash with St Mirren
Championship and Lower League Impact
The storm’s reach extends beyond the top flight:
- Arbroath vs Raith Rovers
- Greenock Morton vs Inverness Caledonian Thistle
- Cove Rangers vs Montrose in League One
- Forfar Athletic’s trip to Elgin City
- Stenhousemuir vs Peterhead in League Two
Safety First Approach
SPFL Chief Operating Officer Calum Beattie emphasized the gravity of the situation: “Our discussions with emergency services made clear this was no ordinary weather event. With predictions of five-meter river rises and unprecedented rainfall, player and fan safety must come first.”
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued multiple severe flood warnings, describing the situation as “extraordinary.” Flood duty manager Pascal Lardet warned: “We’re facing exceptional rainfall that will cause significant flooding from both surface water and rivers.”
Melbet Weather Analysis
Meteorologist Dr. Sarah Wilkinson, speaking exclusively to Melbet, explains: “Storm Babet represents a perfect storm of conditions – high tides coinciding with intense rainfall and strong winds. The 20-foot waves observed along the Angus coastline demonstrate the system’s exceptional power.”
Rescheduling Challenges
The SPFL faces a logistical nightmare with fixture congestion, particularly for clubs involved in cup competitions. Melbet understands league officials are considering:
- Midweek slots in November
- Utilizing spare weekends
- Potential double-header matchdays
Fan Advisory
Supporters are advised to:
- Check club websites for ticket refund policies
- Monitor transport updates
- Avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas
Looking Ahead
While the immediate focus remains on public safety, the long-term impact on the SPFL season could be significant. With winter approaching, rescheduled matches may need to be staged in challenging conditions, potentially affecting the title race and relegation battles.
Melbet will continue to provide updates on new fixture dates and further developments as Scotland weathers this extraordinary storm system.
