ANATOMY OF YET ANOTHER FARCE...
Saturday, September 22
Sportsmail reveals potential Hampden fixture clash, should both Old Firm clubs win their League Cup quarterfinals. SPFL preparing for ‘doomsday scenario’ with Europa League fixtures just two days before first semi-final. Staggered kick-offs on same day would cause ‘huge public order concerns’ for Police Scotland.
Wednesday, September 26
Draw for Betfred Cup semi-finals keeps both Old Firm sides apart — and throws up exact scenario SPFL were dreading. Murrayfield proposed as an alternative venue to solve Hampden clash. Rangers boss Steven Gerrard claims it would be unfair to ask either Old Firm team to play 48 hours after a gruelling Europa League tie. Gerrard says he will stay out of decision but hints at launching protest if Rangers are forced to play on the Saturday.
Thursday, September 27
SPFL drop their bombshell — back-toback semi-finals at Hampden with staggered kick-off times, based on police advice. Aberdeen call noon kickoff ‘appalling’ with Hearts also fuming.
Friday, September 28
SPFL chief exec Neil Doncaster claims double-header only feasible solution. Concerns about state of Hampden’s pitch with two games in a day. Hearts boss Craig Levein calls Hampden decision a ‘shambles’ and a ‘disaster for supporters’ but Old Firm bosses back the arrangement. Glasgow South MP Stewart McDonald warns doubleheader puts fans and locals at risk and Scotrail raise logistical concerns over getting fans in and out of Glasgow. Former Police Federation chairman Les Gray calls decision an ‘April Fool’.
Monday, October 1
Police Federation describes SPFL’s choice as ‘just simply idiotic’ and warns
Tuesday, October 2
Police Scotland request SPFL look again at decision. They initially approve the plan but Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins calls for further talks after Police Federation officials come out strongly against the proposal. Politicians at Holyrood also voice their concerns. By late afternoon, Doncaster releases a statement confirming that the SPFL are in talks to move one of the semi-finals to an alternative venue. Celtic set to demand that the venues for the semifinals now be demanded by a draw.