New plea for Old Firm game to be moved

[der Berliner 3,245]

... not least it may ruin the day for 50 % of the people concerned, unless there will be a draw.

[pete 2,499]

I won't watch it on hogmanay and I suspect many are the same.

 

It's just madness

 

I will certainly watch it. I never talked to the wife for the last 20 years so why should I change now.

[ian1964 10,413]

I'd be happy if the fixture was banned for good!

[cooponthewing 1,139]

I'd be happy if the fixture was banned for good!

 

Whit?? Are you having an "unbalanced episode" mate?? Ffs lol!

[Norris Cole 0]

Don't worry gents, I am sure the greatest fans in the world will behave impeccably.

[Uilleam 5,422]

Don't worry gents, I am sure the greatest fans in the world will behave impeccably.

 

Unless their team is defeated; understandably, that would represent extreme provocation, and would justify any response whatsoever,

however violent.

[ian1964 10,413]

DISCUSSIONS over a change in date to the Hogmanay Old Firm fixture are said to have been ‘constructive’ but failed to offer any kind of resolution.

 

As part of the Bells Not Brawls campaign, Neil Doncaster, head of the SPFL, and SPFL Secretary Iain Blair, met with Paul Waterson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Donald MacLeod, Convenor of the Licensing Forum and Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, to discuss their concerns about the scheduling of the Hogmanay Old Firm Match.

 

Mr Doncaster and Mr Blair are said to have understood the concerns of those opposing the plans, but stated that the decision to schedule the game for Hogmanay was that of Police Scotland.

 

Pub and club chiefs said the SPFL have agreed that for future fixtures they would be willing to enter into a dialogue with the SLTA and Chamber of Commerce to work towards a match schedule that will limit disruption for Glasgow businesses.

 

Donald MacLeod said: “Although we are disappointed with the outcome of the meeting we are not surprised, we are however happy with other aspects of the meeting and look forward to further discussions with the SPFL and hopefully Police Scotland on future fixtures.

 

“The SPFL have assured us that they are willing to to work with us to limit the negative impact that future Old Firm matches will have on the city. Meantime, the online campaign and petition to move the match will continue.”

 

Gordon Smith, ex Chief Executive of the SFA is opposed to the match going ahead, saying: “I am very disappointed that the old firm fixture has been scheduled for Hogmanay for what is regarded as a family day of celebration for all, including all those involved in the match, players, officials and fans, and I’m very worried that the fans of both teams will struggle to get home that day given the very limited public transport and shortening of services that will be available on the day”

 

Medical professionals also joined the #BELLSNOTBRAWLS campaign to have the fixture moved.

 

A spokeswoman for Medics Against Violence said: “Scheduling the Old Firm game on Hogmanay has the potential to result in harm for some people who may choose to consume a larger volume of alcohol over a longer period of time than would be usual even on that day.

 

“There is a clear potential for harm due to the excess alcohol consumption itself but also due to the potential for accidents and violence.

 

“This is at a time when our Emergency Departments are already working at maximum capacity helping very ill people in addition to treating the increase in alcohol related problems that accompany the festive season"

 

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/1...xture_meeting/

[MacK1950 2,231]

So the plod are now involved in the scheduling of fixtures unbelievable as I thought that was the remit of the SPFL.