The Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust have denied any responsibility for the knee injury suffered by Melbourne Victory's Terry Antonis, claiming the incident occurred on mature turf that had been inspected and approved by multiple parties.
Antonis slipped and suffered the injury on a section of the SCG pitch near the centre cricket wicket in the 78th minute and was forced from the field, as Melbourne Victory went down 2-1 to Sydney FC on Saturday night.
Melbourne Victory and their coach Kevin Muscat have strongly condemned the standard of the field since the match, while Football Federation Australia says the pitch was inspected but was in an unacceptable condition.
The SCG made their first comment on the controversy via a statement on Monday, saying the pitch had been given the green light by the FFA, both clubs and multiple independent experts.
"We wish Terry Antonis a speedy recovery from his injury. Player safety and a safe playing surface are paramount concerns for the SCG," the statement read.
"The incident took place two metres off the SCG’s wicket square on mature turf that had been replaced in February.
"As is normal practice, the field has been inspected by independent experts in the past two weeks, with satisfactory results recorded for all codes.
"Hardness levels are consistent across the entire field and well within acceptable levels. No issues were raised during inspections of the field of play by match or team officials before the recent training sessions and fixtures.
"The SCG wicket block, and its Bulli Soil foundation, has been in situ since 1888.
"The SCG will continue to work closely with its sports partners and the governing bodies to ensure the best possible playing surface for all codes.
"The SCG will also work closely with Sydney FC and the FFA to address any concerns prior to future matches."
Sydney FC is scheduled to play a league match against Perth Glory at the SCG on April 18, but it's understood plans are underway to move the match to another venue.
Sky Blues chief executive Danny Townsend revealed Kogarah Oval would be used if the club get a home final in the first week of post-season, but it's unclear if the SCG will used if they progress further.
