HAMPDEN IS NOT FOR US
BY ALAN MARSHALL JOHN ROBERTSON has cast doubts over whether Inverness’ Scottish Cup semi-final against either Hearts or Partick should go ahead at Hampden.
The Caley boss reckons the Highlanders would take a modest following to Mount Florida due to the travel and logistical issues.
And he insists an encounter against Thistle would result in a “pretty sparse” attendance at the National Stadium.
Robertson, a Jambos hero, has even questioned whether Hearts would want the game played at Hampden if they progress in next week’s replay, suggesting his old club might lobby for the fixture to take place at the home of rivals Hibs.
Both participating clubs would need to agree to request a change of venue from the SFA before the idea of a stadium switch would even be considered.
Robertson said: “You want the semi-final to go ahead at Hampden but you have to look at it from a players’ perspective and a fans’ perspective – you want a bit of atmosphere.
“We’ll probably take three three-and-a-half thousand. If it’s Partick they’d probably take maybe six, seven or eight thousand so it would look pretty sparse at Hampden.
“Dare I say it I’m not even sure if Hearts would take a big support to Hampden for a half past 12 kick-off.
“If they get through it wouldn’t surprise me if they lobbied for Easter Road and said, ‘Look, Inverness will fill one stand, we’ll fill three’.”
He believes an early kick-off and prohibitive prices could be the death knell to any hopes of a bumper travelling support from up north.
Robbo said: “We want to go to Hampden but the SFA are going to have to come up with some creative pricing or something like that because it’s a difficult one.
“The time is going to be crucial as well. If it’s half past 12, it doesn’t matter who the opposition is, you’re going to ask the Inverness supporters to come down the road.”