barca72 440 Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 What's the betting they move our game to the piggery? The Blue Sea of Ibrox 25 mins · SPFL EXPLORING SEMI-FINAL SWITCH THE SPFL HAS ANNOUNCED IT IS IN DISCUSSIONS OVER THE POSSIBILITY OF MOVING ONE OF THE FORTHCOMING BETFRED CUP SEMI-FINALS TO AN ALTERNATIVE VENUE. SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “After the draw, we spoke to Hampden Park Limited to ask whether they would release us from a contractual obligation to host all semi-finals involving the Old Firm at Hampden. They declined our request and we were unwilling to breach this contract and risk legal action. “However, I’m pleased to report that we have been contacted this morning by SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell who said that Hampden Park Limited has now reconsidered that position and have agreed to waive that legal obligation. “This is clearly extremely welcome news. We immediately contacted Police Scotland and informed them of this development and this has enabled us to open talks to explore whether the match could be staged at an alternative venue in the timescales available. “Whilst we are taking nothing for granted and are unable to make a definitive announcement at this early stage, if agreement can be reached between all parties involved, this would allow us to change from the original kick-off times which Police Scotland specified to ensure the matches could be staged at Hampden on the same day. The good news is that fans would have more convenient travel arrangements. “Whilst we received firm assurances from both Hampden Park Limited and Police Scotland that they were able to host both games on the same day, today’s very welcome call is a potential game-changer. “Everyone recognises that it would be better if we can hold these matches in separate stadia and the fact that we’re now able to explore that option is great news. “We will now discuss with a number of parties, including the SFA, Police Scotland and the clubs involved before reaching a definitive position, which we will announce as soon as possible to enable fans to make the necessary travel arrangements.” -HQ! 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
buster. 4,808 Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 (edited) Celtic v Hearts Althawra Sports City Stadium, Yemen. 12 noon Saturday 37th October Neil Doncaster's new contacts in football who had already provided a solution to Scottish football as one of the new broadcasting partners for the SPFL have came forward to help us out again. When asked about the new venue Doncaster replied "A lick of paint may be required but at least the press should be happy with a well ventilated media centre" Edited October 2, 2018 by buster. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo79 13,597 Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 The Police want them to move the other semi to Murrayfield. I couldn't care less where or when they are played. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEARGER 1,829 Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 From BBC website This month's Scottish League Cup semi-final arrangements could be changed - with one heading to Edinburgh - amid criticism of the original plans. The Scottish Professional Football league is considering moving Hearts' meeting with Celtic to Murrayfield on Sunday afternoon, 28 October. It comes after Hampden Park Limited waived its right to host both games. SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: "This is clearly extremely welcome news." Aberdeen are scheduled to meet Rangers at noon, with Celtic playing Hearts at 19.45 BST, and Police Scotland had earlier asked for further talks about the plan to hold both at Hampden that day. But a fresh proposal could switch the game between Rangers and Aberdeen to late afternoon in Glasgow. "After the draw, we spoke to Hampden Park Limited to ask whether they would release us from a contractual obligation to host all semi-finals involving the Old Firm at Hampden," Doncaster said. "They declined our request and we were unwilling to breach this contract and risk legal action. "However, I'm pleased to report that we have been contacted this morning by SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell, who said that Hampden Park Limited has now reconsidered that position and have agreed to waive that legal obligation. "This has enabled us to open talks to explore whether the match could be staged at an alternative venue in the timescales available." The SPFL has already held initial discussions with Scottish Rugby about using Murrayfield and Doncaster said that discussions would now follow with the SFA, Police Scotland and the clubs. Scottish Police Federation's general secretary had called the timings "idiotic" and that was followed by Assistant Chief Constable Bernie Higgins calling for a rethink on transport plans and negotiations on other concerns surrounding the ties. "We're aware of issues and concerns that have been raised over the last few days about the date and venue of the League Cup semi-finals," Higgins said. "As a responsible organisation and taking into account these public concerns, I think it sensible to discuss the issues raised with the SPFL and other stakeholders and I have asked the SPFL to look again at the transport plan so we can make a full public safety assessment." The ties were originally planned for October 27 and 28, but the Saturday was ruled out since Rangers and Celtic are in Europa League action on the Thursday. Following a meeting with all four clubs, the SPFL announced that hosting both matches on Sunday was the only solution, due to lack of flexibility with fixtures and a contractual obligation to use the national stadium in Glasgow. Aberdeen and Hearts condemned the decision, citing the problems fans would have travelling. Hearts owner Ann Budge expressed safety concerns, saying the plan was "almost a disaster waiting to happen". And Scottish Police Federation general secretary Calum Steele told BBC Scotland that "the police service is going to be run ragged". 'Public order paramount' The issue was raised at Holyrood, with MSPs saying the plans had been "botched" and displayed a "disregard" for fans and a "lack of consideration for families". Sports minister Joe FitzPatrick told MSPs that there was "anger" among fans, saying he hoped that the SPFL would "listen" and "reach the appropriate outcome". "Discussions are continuing and I understand that Police Scotland has asked the SPFL to review its plans and has sought assurance around public safety," he said. "I know that will be welcomed by many fans. "Police Scotland will review further information and discuss any issues further with the SPFL. It's vital that public order and safety remain paramount in any decision going forward. "I would also ask the SPFL to make sure they are considering the fans and the interests of Scottish football in any decision." 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete 2,499 Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 If one is moved to Murrayfield it will be us as it would be a home game for Hearts and liewell won't want that. Playing in Edinburgh would also be easier for Aberdeen travelling I would imagine. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill 13,717 Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 We've learned two things so far...... 1. The SPFL hasn't a clue how to run League or League Cup business 2. SPFL decisions are now being taken at Pacific Quay 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
buster. 4,808 Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 (edited) 3 minutes ago, pete said: If one is moved to Murrayfield it will be us as it would be a home game for Hearts and liewell won't want that. Playing in Edinburgh would also be easier for Aberdeen travelling I would imagine. How many 'away games' have they had to play over the years at Hampden without a whisper. They are also more liable to fill the stadium given how many Hearts fans would want to/be able to go. Edited October 2, 2018 by buster. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete 2,499 Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 1 minute ago, buster. said: How many 'away games' have they had to play over the years at Hampden without a whisper. But Celtic weren't running things at that time. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete 2,499 Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 3 minutes ago, Bill said: We've learned two things so far...... 1. The SPFL hasn't a clue how to run League or League Cup business 2. SPFL decisions are now being taken at Pacific Quay And Pacific Quay answer to Liewell. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
buster. 4,808 Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 (edited) 3 minutes ago, pete said: But Celtic weren't running things at that time. BBC, who will have been given a steer, pacifically mention the Hearts game being considered for Murrayfield. Edited October 2, 2018 by buster. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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