Although it did not produce the much-maligned pitch at East End Park, it is keen to defend the concept of man-made grass, which is used by numerous football clubs.

Bonar’s marketing manager Paul Fraser said, “The criticism being levelled at Dunfermline’s synthetic pitch has had a negative effect on artificial surfaces of all kinds here in the UK, especially in Scotland.

“However, it should be well noted the surface at East End Park is truly unique and atypical in its structure.

“The more common practice in artificial grass pitches is to use specialised yarns, a rubber/sand infill and to lay the surface like a giant carpet in widths of four metres across the pitch. This results in surfaces which are significantly more realistic and consistent in terms of ball roll and speed in all weather conditions.”

The performance of the ball and a feeling that players are more likely to be injured in falls have been the main complaints made about East End Park.

The pitch was laid in 2003 as part of a two-year experiment by European football’s governing body UEFA. It has proved unpopular with visiting teams ever since.

Dundee United and Rangers are hoping to persuade the rest of the Scottish Premier League next month to ban the surface and force Dunfermline to return to a real grass surface for the 2005/06 season.

However, Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston has defended the all-weather pitch, which is said to be easier to maintain. He will ask the SPL to support the laying of a new synthetic surface.

Mr Fraser pointed out that Bonar’s artificial grass was being used at Hamilton Accies new stadium. Other clubs to use synthetic grass, at least for training pitches, include Dundee United, Rangers, St Johnstone, Hearts and Hampden Park.

South of the border the list includes Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Southampton and West Ham.

He said, “Whilst fair criticism of these new surfaces can be tolerated and indeed expected, it should be remembered there are alternatives on the market which have proven standards of consistency, player-friendliness and general acceptance on behalf of the athletes.

“Additionally, two of football’s governing bodies, FIFA and UEFA, are actively promoting a commitment to the use of artificial grass pitches, a decision which has been welcomed by many football clubs throughout Europe.”