HAMILTON officials have released a statement to explain the narrowing of the New Douglas Park pitch prior to Aberdeen's 2-0 defeat on Saturday.
The pitch was brought in by two yards on either flank after consultation between both clubs, the match officials and the Scottish Premier League.
However, the original lines were clearly visible during the game, causing confusion and creating what some have called a farcical and embarrassing situation in what is supposed to be a top league game in Scotland.
A spokesman for Hamilton said: "The underground heating system has been on all week in view of the current cold weather.
"Unfortunately, in the changeover of the fuel to the delivery pump, we believe an airlock in one of the pipes has occurred, about one yard from the touchline along the main stand side, leading to that small strip of the pitch becoming slightly harder as the morning wore on.
"After consultation between both clubs, the match officials, the SPL Delegate (George Douglas), contact was made with SPL officials and Board Members, and agreement was given to bring the touchline in by two yards on both sides of the ground.
"The dimensions of the pitch, which was 115 yards x 75 yards, the recommended standard international size, still fully comply with Laws of the Game and SPL recommendations.
"The area which had been causing slight concern was playable by 1500 GMT as the heating remained on for the match."
No explanation was given as to why the 'old' lines were not painted over or removed, however.
The narrowing of the pitch aided Hamilton, it could be argued, with a number of commentators in recent weeks remarking on the Dons' use of wingers Sone Aluko and Jeffrery De Visscher in their recent run of five straight wins.
However, Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood refused to blame the loss on either the pitch markings bodge job or the 'flu bug which swept through his squad this week.
He said: "I don't think [the 'flu] has a lot to do with your defending or whether you can pass the ball.
"It's got a lot to do with your energy levels, but they're professionals and they passed themselves fit to play; if it's really bad, they have to tell you about it.
"At half-time we gave them a chance because it looked as though a few had more than the 'flu, but we just never turned up and that's the most frustrating thing - too many players just weren't at the races today.
"We started poorly and got worse, and it's difficult to win a football game like that; we had done really well to get ourselves back into the race for third place and had a chance to get nearer, but we blew it and instead we lost momentum.
"All credit to Hamilton - they played well, stopped us from playing and deserved their victory."
