Rail chiefs hit out at move to play both cup semis on same day
SCOTRAIL has criticised football chiefs over the transport implications of the plan for both League Cup semi-finals to be played at Hampden on the same day.
The train operator voiced its disappointment over what it claimed was an absence of contact in advance of the fixtures announcement.
It said the decision – which will see up to 100,000 supporters travelling to and from the Glasgow stadium – presents significant “logistical challenges” for the company.
Some politicians have also hit out at the move, including MSP James Dornan, who has written to police and the SPFL about the “ludicrous” plan.
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) announced Rangers would face Aberdeen at noon on Sunday, October 28, and Celtic will play Hearts at 7.45pm in the Betfred Cup semis.
The move is the SPFL’s solution to both Glasgow clubs being involved in the Europa League on the Thursday prior, ruling out the practice of spreading the games out over both weekend days.
ScotRail said customers had been in touch about the first match between Aberdeen and Rangers.
A spokesman said: “The ScotRail events team was not consulted by the SPFL in advance of its announcement, which is disappointing. The SPFL has only now been in touch after the announcement. The logistical challenges this presents should not be underestimated.”