SPFL give punters the lowdown on Cup call

THE SPFL last night issued a Q&A on their website to explain their decision to play both Betfred Cup semis at Hampden on the same day.

Why are both ties being played at Hampden?

We inherited a contractual obligation with Hampden Park Ltd to play certain matches there. These include any Betfred Cup semi involving Celtic or Rangers, as well as any other semi where the attendance is expected to be greater than 20,000.

Could one of the ties not have been switched to the next weekend?

We looked at every alternative. Doing so would have created additional fixture challenges.

What has Police Scotland’s reaction been?

They are content with playing both ties at Hampden on the same day and have the resources to manage the situation.

Why couldn’t the Aberdeen game have been the 7.45pm kick-off ?

Police Scotland advised they wished the Aberdeen v Rangers game to be played first.

Will the pitch be able to cope with two matches on the same day?

The groundstaff have assured us the pitch is more than capable of hosting two matches.

Could this have been avoided when the SPFL fixtures were drawn up?

The winter break, European football, other cups and internationals have greatly reduced our options for rearranging.