Levein hits out at semi ‘madness’

FROM BACK PAGE chiefs for the “shambles” that will see his men face Celtic just hours after Aberdeen take on Rangers on Sunday, October 28.

Levein believes it’s a kick in the teeth for fans – and warned Neil Doncaster and Iain Blair will carry the can if it’s not a sell-out.

He said: “In all my time in football, I’ve never seen such disregard for supporters in any situation.

“It’s a shambles. I’m angry as it is a disaster for the supporters, particularly us and Aberdeen.

“We have players who’ve never played at Hampden and want to go with their families. That’s not possible at 7.45pm on a Sunday night. Aberdeen fans have to get to Hampden for noon with no trains.

“It’s unlikely we will sell all the tickets. We might only shift 15,000. This will fall squarely at the feet of Doncaster and Blair. If the people don’t come, it’s their fault. It’s a joke decision.

“You’ll have 100,000 people in Glasgow, not all drinking but one or two will be. Anything could go wrong.

“You’ve got the pitch situation. There’s a list of things that could go wrong and Scottish football will be tarnished by it. Why are we asking for trouble? It’s just madness.

“I’m disgusted by the disregard for the safety of people and the experience of going to Hampden.”

Levein also can’t understand why the SPFL are contractually obliged to play the ties at Hampden.

He said: “They (SPFL) haven’t even asked to be released from this contract. At least ask the question.”

Another bumper televised double-header will be screened by Sky on Saturday, December 29 – but in two different cities.

The festive cracker will kick off when Celtic travel to Rangers at 12.30pm then it’s Hibs v Hearts at 5.30pm.