Cup confusion after funeral plans are released for next Saturday
Doubt has been cast on next Saturday’s Scottish Cup ties – including the Old Firm showdown at Ibrox – after the plans for the funeral of Prince Philip were announced yesterday.
It will take place at 3pm on Saturday, with a national minute’s silence planned for the same time.
With four ties scheduled to kick-off at that time, and the Glasgow derby starting an hour later, the issue is clear.
A Scottish FA statement said last night: “In light of confirmation that the funeral of HRH Prince Philip will take place next Saturday at 3pm, we have entered dialogue with the relevant stakeholders with regard to Scottish Cup Fourth Round fixtures scheduled on that day.
“We will update participating clubs, supporters and partners in due course.” With any postponement of Scottish Cup ties possibly having a knock-on effect for league fixtures, as well as games in the three leagues below the Premiership, the SPFL also released a statement last night.
It read: “Following the announcement that HRH Prince Philip’s funeral will be next Saturday at 3pm, we will be liaising with the Scottish FA and other stakeholders regarding next weekend’s matches, and will update clubs as soon as possible.”