DORNAN SLAMS SPFL HAMPDEN DECISION
Cathcart MSP Dornan slams decision to play both Betfred Cup semis on same day
JAMES Dornan, the MSP for Cathcart, has branded the SPFL’s decision to stage two Betfred Cup semi-finals at Hampden Park on the same day as “ridiculous”.
Dornan, whose constituency includes the national stadium and the surrounding areas, has written to SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster and Chief Constable of Police Scotland Iain Livingstone to
outline his own concerns and those of local residents about the unprecedented call to host two major matches at the stadium within a matter of hours.
He has also demanded a meeting with the league’s governing body to receive an explanation in person and will be pushing for the SPFL to revisit their decision, labelling them as “not a sensible organisation”.
A statement read: “Once again the SPFL appear to have taken a decision without thinking through the repercussions.
“This ridiculous move is going to impact hugely on my constituents, the people of Glasgow, the fans of the two travelling clubs and public resources.
“Maybe the SPFL should have checked the European fixtures before organising a semi-final; that’s what a sensible organisation would have done.”
Dornan believes that by hosting Celtic and Rangers matches in Glasgow on the same day, the SPFL are breaking with an unwritten rule designed to prevent disorder.
And he is concerned that Police Scotland resources will be placed under huge strain by the task of hosting 100,000 football supporters in the area with such a short turnaround between matches.
“It is an established fact that Celtic and Rangers don’t play in Glasgow on the same day,” his letter states. “Therefore, it seems unbelievable to me to have both playing in the very same stadium only a number of hours apart.”
The MSP also wants to press SPFL chiefs on the contractual obligations which have been cited as the reason behind why alternative venues for the matches, such as Murrayfield, could not be considered unless Police Scotland raised concerns about their ability to safely police the matches.
The full list of concerns sent to Doncaster and Livingstone are:
• We could be in the situation that the four groups of fans could be drinking alcohol in Glasgow together during the first game, the period between both games, and then also during and after the last. This could result in serious antisocial disorder.
• I have concerns regarding litter, travel disruption and noise disruption for my constituents.
• Should local pubs and restaurants close early or not open at all to avoid any issues, then this could have a negative effect on them financially.
• Police Scotland’s resources will be stretched – having to manage the turnaround of fans, then also mitigate and prevent disorder across Glasgow during the whole day.
• Notwithstanding the fact that I believe both games should be played on different days, having Aberdeen play so early – when there are no trains from the city which would arrive in Glasgow on time for kick-off – is deeply disrespectful to Aberdeen fans.
I note for Hearts fans it may also be difficult to travel back to Edinburgh by rail after the game. Please note, I understand this was a decision taken by Police Scotland and I have written to them on this point too.
• I believe the playing condition of the pitch could be compromised by the first game, which could potentially be an issue for the players in the second match.