Police Fed label semi schedule as ‘idiotic’

THE SCOTTISH Police Federation last night criticised the SPFL’s decision to schedule both Betfred Cup semi-finals at Hampden on the same day this month as ‘idiotic’. The Old Firm being drawn apart in the final four threw up a headache for the organisers, with Celtic and Rangers both playing in Europe on the preceding Thursday night. Aberdeen will host Rangers at noon in Mount Florida on Sunday, October 28 before Hearts take on Celtic at the same venue at 7.45pm. But Federation general secretary Calum Steele has major concerns over the double-header. ‘The police service is going to be run ragged,’ he told BBC Scotland. ‘From a police service of over 17,000 officers, having two football matches on the same day is not something that’s beyond our means but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a good idea to make it happen. ‘The one word that describes it best is just simply idiotic. ‘It’s going to be a highly difficult policing event in any case because of the issues associated with Halloween, fireworks, and general disorder that is traditionally associated with that time of year and the fact that (police officers) are going to be working ridiculously long hours.’ Aberdeen and Hearts are upset with the scheduling, citing difficulties in getting to and from Glasgow on a Sunday. Steele believes moving one semi-final to Edinburgh’s BT Murrayfield would help minimise the potential for trouble. ‘It would definitely be easier,’ he said. ‘The expectation of having to manage four sets of opposing fans in and around Glasgow city centre at an exceptionally busy weekend in its own right is something that is going to be challenging.’