CELTS:WESHALL NOT BE MOVED
FROM BACK PAGE high noon kick-off slot – being put back to a mid-afternoon start.
But now we understand the defending champions have called for another ballot to decide which of the ties is moved across the country – if the SRU agree to stage one at the home of Scottish rugby.
A Parkhead source said: “In the interests of fairness this should be decided by some sort of draw. We understand circumstances dictate the SPFL are acting without precedent where the semi-final fixtures are concerned but it should not follow our fans are inconvenienced and forced to travel to Edinburgh.
“It would seem much more fair if this was decided by a draw rather than predetermined.”
The SPFL have faced a furious backlash from Hearts and Aberdeen, as well as fans of all four sides, since last week’s decision to stage both matches at the National Stadium on Sunday October 28.
Police Scotland also came under fire from union bosses who argued the “four teams in one day” would put their officers in harm’s way.
It’s understood the football authorities were privately urged to reconsider by police chiefs yesterday morning as concerns grew over transport and potential public safety issues.
As the controversy raged on into the afternoon, SFA chief exec Ian Maxwell stepped into the row to offer an unexpected olive branch when he freed the SPFL of their contractual obligations to stage both matches at Hampden.
Late yesterday afternoon SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster confirmed fresh talks are now under way to move one of the matches.
In a statement he said: “The SPFL has announced it is in discussions over the possibility of moving one of the forthcoming Betfred Cup semi-finals to an alternative venue.
“After the draw, we spoke to Hampden Park Limited to ask whether they would release us from a contractual obligation to host all semi-finals involving the Old Firm at Hampden. They declined and we were unwilling to breach this contract and risk legal action.
“However, I’m pleased to report we have been contacted this morning by SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell who said Hampden has now reconsidered that position and have agreed to waive that legal obligation.
“This is clearly extremely welcome news. We immediately contacted Police Scotland and informed them of this development and this has enabled us to open talks to explore whether the match could be staged at an alternative venue.
“If agreement can be reached between all parties involved, this would allow us to change from the original kick-off times Police Scotland specified to ensure the matches could be staged at Hampden the same day.
“While we received firm assurances from both Hampden Park Limited and Police Scotland that they were able to host both games on the same day, today’s welcome call is a potential game-changer.
“We will now discuss with a number of parties, including the SFA, Police Scotland and the clubs involved, before reaching a definitive position, which we will announce as soon as possible to enable fans to make the necessary travel arrangements.”
Doncaster is understood to have asked the SRU if Murrayfield can be available but was still waiting for an answer last night.