DONS’ BLAST AT LEAGUE CHIEFS AS FANS ARE HIT BY EARLY KICK-OFF FOR HAMPDEN SEMI

ABERDEEN have accused the SPFL of harming the occasion of their Betfred Cup semi-final due to the scheduling of next month’s ties.

The Dons were given a 12.15pm kick-off on Saturday, October 22, for the last-four clash against Morton when the dates were announced on Friday.

Rangers and Celtic will play their semi-final — the second Old Firm meeting of the season — the following day at 2.15pm, with both games at Hampden and televised live by BT Sport.

And that led Aberdeen to express their disappointment at the treatment of their fans, who face an early-morning start to travel to Glasgow, in a statement yesterday.

‘Our stated preference was that the game took place at a more reasonable time on the Saturday at a venue that would ensure a capacity attendance.

‘It is from an attendance perspective very regrettable that the game kicks off at 12.15, which is a major disadvantage to our fantastic travelling support in particular for games such as these.

‘Regarding the choice of venue, we understand and accept that it is for all clubs to indicate the crowd they anticipate taking and Hampden Park was chosen on this basis.

‘We accept that the majority of our supporters would have had to travel for at least a couple of hours to attend this fixture at any suitable venue but are disappointed as we feel this outcome has a very negative impact on what should be a great day out and experience for all our supporters.’

Back-up options of the atmospheric Edinburgh grounds were offered, Hearts and Hibs making clear their availability to host the tie in the immediate aftermath of the semi-final draw. Tynecastle is free, as the Friday night league game against Rangers has been postponed.

Hibs, meanwhile, are away at Dunfermline at 3pm on the Saturday afternoon.

However, those venues were rejected by league bosses because, based on figures of estimated tickets required from both clubs, neither would have been big enough for the fixture.

Indeed, had the SPFL picked the 20,000-capacity Easter Road, it would not have been sufficient to fulfil the demand from Aberdeen fans alone based on what the club indicated would be needed.

The Glasgow derby was allocated the Sunday slot on account of a police request.