Football chiefs to climb down over same-day semi-finals
● SPFL to rethink Hampden double ● Murrayfield may be used for match
Scottish football chiefs will rethink controversial plans to play both League Cup semifinals at Hampden on the same day later this month after a widespread outcry among fans, clubs and political leaders.
Scottish Professional Football League chief executive Neil Doncaster said Hampden had “waived the legal obligation” for both matches to be played at the national stadium, paving the way for a climbdown. He also admitted it would be better if the games could be played at different stadiums, increasing the likelihood Murrayfield could host the clash between Hearts and Celtic.
The reversal came after Police Scotland demanded a review of the transport plans for the matches, which will also see Rangers play Aberdeen on Sunday, 28 October.
Sports minister Joe Fitzpatrick also hit out at the lack of consultation with the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and Police Scotland.
Mr Doncaster said: “After the draw, we spoke to Hampden Park Ltd to ask whether they would release us from a contractual obligation to host all semi-finals involving the Old Firm at Hampden.
“They declined our request and we were unwilling to breach this contract and risk legal action. However, I’m
pleased to report that we have been contacted this morning by SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell who said that Hampden Park Ltd has now reconsidered that position and have
agreed to waive that legal obligation.” Talks are now under way to see if one of the games can be switched.
The move would also mean the controversial noon kickoff for the Rangers-aberdeen game could be moved back amid criticism the match was starting before the earliest train out of Aberdeen arrived in Glasgow.
Both matches have to be played on the Sunday as Rangers and Celtic are both involved in Europa League fixtures on Thursday, 26 October.
But Hearts and Aberdeen had been critical of the decision to stage both matches in Glasgow – home of the Old Firm – instead of shifting to Murrayfield, which has hosted major football matches. The shift came after Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins demanded a review of the proposal amid growing safety concerns.
“As a responsible organisation and taking into account these public concerns, I think it sensible to discuss the issues raised with the SPFL and other stakeholders,” he said.
“I have asked the SPFL to look again at the transport plan, so we can make a full public safety assessment.”
MSPS at Holyrood hit out at football authorities over the saga. Labour MSP James Kelly had labelled the scheduling “nonsensical”.