SFA refute East Kilbride claim over venue for Cup clash

THE SFA last night hit back at East Kilbride’s claim that they were in the dark when New Douglas Park was announced as the venue for their Scottish Cup clash with Celtic. The Lowland League club wrote to the governing body after being caught on the back foot by the decision to play the fifth-round tie on February 7 at the home of Hamilton Accies. Moments after watching his side set-up the historic clash by defeating Lothian Thistle HV on Wednesday, EK chairman Mark Horner looked bemused when the media conveyed news of the venue selection to him. Horner and his board had been examining the possibility of taking the tie to a bigger venue. On Thursday, he claimed he had no idea that a final decision had already been taken and vowed to find out why there had been a breakdown in communication. ‘We just want to know how the decision was reached,’ he said. ‘We don’t even know how much it would cost to hold the game there. We wrote to Hamilton but they never came back to us.’ Yesterday, however, the SFA released a statement saying the decision to play the game at New Douglas Park had been clearly conveyed to the Lowland League club prior to their 2-0 victory on Wednesday. ‘The decision regarding the choice of venue was taken in accordance with the terms of Scottish Cup Competition Rule 13 “Grounds for Ties” on the basis that the SFA had been advised by Police Scotland that this tie could not proceed at K-Park on the grounds of spectator safety and security — a view shared by our administration,’ it read. ‘This matter was discussed at a meeting at K-Park on 14 January, attended by the East Kilbride chairman, Mark Horner. ‘The club was requested to submit venue selection proposals in the event of a home tie against Celtic by Monday, January 18. During a subsequent telephone call, this deadline was moved back to Tuesday — at the request of the club — to allow further time for the consideration of/ discussion with potential venues. ‘On Tuesday, the SFA board of directors was provided with a paper putting forward the venue preferences of East Kilbride: 1. K-Park. 2. Hampden. 3. Celtic Park 4. Broadwood/Excelsior Stadium/ Firhill. 5. New Douglas Park. ‘On Wednesday, on the basis of Rule 13, the decision of the SFA Board was communicated to the club by email and confirmed as remaining under embargo until the conclusion of Wednesday evening’s tie against Lothian Thistle HV.’ Rule 13 states: ‘ ..the match shall be played at the nearest registered ground of at least equivalent capacity, which in the opinion of the board is most suitable for the occasion.’ Sportsmail understands the venue decision is now final.