Scotrail ‘not consulted’ over decision to hold cup semi-finals at Hampden

The SPFL’S decision to schedule both Betfred Cup semifinals at Hampden on the same day will present a “significant logistical challenge”, Scotrail have admitted.

Hearts’ Betfred Cup semifinal with Celtic will kick-off at 7:45pm on Sunday, 28 October – after the other semi-final between Aberdeen and Rangers at noon.

The SPFL confirmed they will stage both ties at the national stadium in Glasgow on the same day in a unique move.

On the same day as the Betfred Cup semis, 13,000 people are also expected to attend Kevin Bridges’ show at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro.

The plan is the SPFL’S solution to a problem caused by both Glasgow clubs’ involvement in the Europa League on the Thursday night.

Scotrail confirmed their events team had not been consulted by the SPFL in advance of its announcement.

The rail firm said: “This presents a significant logistical challenge, which organisers were well aware of before the making the decision.

“We’ll assess all options to see what, if anything, is possible.”

Aberdeen is around 150 miles from Glasgow and the first train between the two cities on that Sunday arrives 14 minutes after kick-off.