Derry City: ‘We’re sick talking about it’ – Ruaidhri Higgins not a fan of artificial pitches

Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins has backed calls for the League of Ireland to ban the use of artificial pitches, arguing that they are not suitable for professional sport.

Sligo Rovers boss John Russell last week criticised 3G surfaces after his player Ellis Chapman was forced off during a 1-1 draw with Derry at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Derry’s Brandywell home has had synthetic grass surface since 2018 but Higgins believes artificial pitches are not in the interests of the “health” of players.

“”There’s a few more injuries from the other night and, speaking to our medical staff, they’re pitch-related,” said Higgins, who has previously outlined his preference for a grass pitch reinstated at Derry’s home ground.

“You look at Ellis Chapman, who has been one of the outstanding players in the league. If that’s on a grass pitch, does it happen? I’m not so sure.

“We’re sick talking about it. You can see in other countries they’re being banned from professional sport and I can see why.”

Higgins, who was speaking before his side’s victory over Dundalk on Friday, added that the artificial surface at the Brandywell has impacted his recruitment plans.

“We might lose one or two players at the end of the season and it hampers you in terms of recruitment so we can’t just go and sign any players that we want,” said the 39-year-old.

He added: “Forget about the way you want to play, it’s health, and players shouldn’t be missing out on weeks and months of football because of a pitch.

“You can say what you want but a lot of, and I’m not just talking about our club, Sligo have picked up a lot of injuries here and Dundalk over the past couple of seasons.

“I’m not speaking just on behalf of our club. I just don’t feel they’re suitable for professional sport.

“They have their merits in terms of their durable and you can loads of football on them but for professional athletes and people who do it for a living, other countries are banning and there’s a reason for that.”