Budge says Celtic’s semi complaint is ‘nonsense’

Hearts owner Ann Budge has dismissed as “nonsense” Celtic’s complaints over the choice of BT Murrayfield as the venue for the clubs’ Betfred Cup semi-final.

After originally announcing that both semis would be played at Hampden Park on the same day, the SPFL bowed to pressure and decided to switch the clash between Hearts and Celtic to the home of Scottish rugby in Edinburgh. The other semi-final, between Aberdeen and Rangers, is to remain at Hampden.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers expressed his disappointment with the decision, saying it was not a neutral venue as Hearts had played at Murrayfield four times last season.

The Parkhead club also released a statement in which they said the decision to not hold a ballot to decide which game should be played at Murrayfield was “irrational” and “discriminatory”.

The Hearts owner, however, believes there is no significant advantage to be had from the game taking place in Edinburgh.

“It is of course a neutral venue,” Budge told STV. “We played four games there at the beginning of last season and Celtic, as we all know, have also played at Murrayfield.

“Our team has changed drastically, less than half the team have experience of playing at Murrayfield and they won’t necessarily be in the side when we do play. So I think to suggest it’s not a neutral venue is quite frankly a nonsense.

“If you look at the other side of it, if we then assume Hampden therefore would be a neutral venue, I think I have a very strong argument that says Celtic have been there a heck of a lot more than Hearts have unfortunately.

“Honestly, I think it’s a fatuous argument, I don’t think it holds water.”