Evil Santa brings plastic turf

Central Switzerland’s worst kept secret is finally out. FC Luzern has decided to go public with their decision to install a plastic turf in the new ground. By choosing to ignore the strong feelings of its playing staff as well as what seems to be a majority of its paying customers FCL has truly embraced modern football.

Switzerland seems determined to move away from the roots of football -  in another worrying recent development Young Boys were allowed to BUY the right to stage a cup game at home (against Lausanne), this spectacularly backfired with the second leaguers kicking them out of the cup

FIFA, with headquarters in Zurich is quietly looking on. No doubt there will be a statement from them in a year or so saying that the artificial turfs are now so good that they will be the preferred surface for competitive games. Grass will end up with the standing areas, banned from Champions League and international games.

For all its faults the Allmend was a great place to watch football, the club really should listen to its customers to ensure that the new Swisspor arena will be as well. The future of the club depends on it. What is decided now will have an impact for many years, way beyond the current boards mandate.