Luton in breach of Premier League protocol as rivals fear matches could be CALLED OFF… but chiefs give them hall pass
LUTON have been granted permission to start their Premier League campaign WITHOUT the installation of undersoil heating.
League rules state undersoil heating is required on the pitches of all 20 clubs.
But, according to The Mail, an exception has been handed out to Luton as they prepare to return to top-flight football for the first time since 1992.
Their first home game at the 10,000-capacity Kenilworth Road – which was scheduled for August 19 against Burnley – has already been postponed as the £10million upgrade to their stadium will not be ready in time.
Luton are working away on developments to the Bobber Stand.
But the lack of undersoil heating will leave other teams concerned about fixtures potentially being postponed.
The club are in talks with the Premier League about how to prevent serious weather conditions hampering their matches.
When they were in the EFL, regulations stated undersoil heating OR frost covers were adequate ways of protecting the pitch.
But this did not prevent them from postponing a clash with Milwall in December when their pitch froze over.
Luton’s first game of the 2023/24 campaign comes away at Brighton on August 12.
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They then take on Chelsea a fortnight later, before they are scheduled to host West Ham on September 1.
This will be their final game before the international break.
Rob Edwards’ side secured promotion to the Premier League after beating Coventry on penalties in the play-off final back in May.