ian1964 10,419 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 by Lindsay Herron RANGERS have slammed the SFA for failing to postpone today's Homecoming Scottish Cup tie with Forfar earlier when it was patently obvious there was no chance of the game going ahead. They are furious that thousands of fans have been inconvenienced after the fifth round tie at Station Park was called off this morning just hours before the 12.15pm kick-off. And the Club's anger has been compounded by the fact that they told the SFA last week about the extreme weather conditions which have forced the game off. Chief Executive Martin Bain said: "We wrote to the SFA on Thursday afternoon highlighting the long-range weather forecast and we sent them a copy of it which indicated that temperatures on Saturday Martin Bainnight would drop to -7. "We asked for a pitch inspection as early as possible in order that no fans would be inconvenienced by travelling to Forfar on a Sunday morning only to be sent home again. "All the SFA said was that the earliest a pitch inspection could take place was 24 hours before kick off but that they would take cognisance of our comments. "Clearly they have not taken cognisance our comments." A pitch inspection did take place yesterday in milder conditions and the game was given the green light, but the severe overnight temperatures meant that there was no chance of the match taking place. The Rangers Chief Executive added: "It's all very well having a cover over the pitch but when the temperature drops to the level it did last night it simply freezes the moisture underneath the covers. "We have made the point to the football authorities on numerous occasions that our fans come from far and wide, especially those who go to away matches. "So to call the game off just three or four hours before kick-off is hugely disruptive for them. "The very reason we wrote to the SFA on Thursday was to avoid this exact scenario. "The point is that the whole nation is in the midst of a cold snap right now and there was no indication that the weather was going to clear. "We are really disappointed by all of this and we feel sorry for those fans who had already set out on their journeys only to learn that the match was off." The tie has now been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 18 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gers4Life 0 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 A huge inconvience to supporters who have already set off to make the trip to forfur! To call the match off 4 hours before k.o is dissapointing, but the SFA were duly warned!!! 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
maineflyer 0 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Every member should now complain in writing to both the SFA and the media. A lot of other fans are now doing so - speak out or be seen to accept this nonsense. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whosthedado 1,504 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 If the weather stays the same as it has been the last couple of weeks theres a chance the next date could be fooked too. It could turn out to be like that M'Well game 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,419 Posted February 8, 2009 Author Share Posted February 8, 2009 I personally think that the likes of Forfar have a obligation to make sure that the game goes ahead, they are making plenty money from sky and should have hired heated bubbles,like the ones Motherwell used, or something similar IMO. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
buba3d 0 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 eddie smith and the sfa are a total joke If last seasons fixture chaos and now this seasons farce means the sfa wont have a winter shutdown, then i don't know what will its a total disgrace 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gribz 743 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 It is a bit late to call it off when we obviously knew Forfar wasnt likely to a sun spot today. But Im not too bothered, all it means is we dont have to risk players for next week and should go into the OF game with no new injuries and fresh legs 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
maineflyer 0 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I personally think that the likes of Forfar have a obligation to make sure that the game goes ahead, they are making plenty money from sky and should have hired heated bubbles,like the ones Motherwell used, or something similar IMO. Or, if they won't insist on something like this, the SFA might take a more reasonable approach to pitch inspections - or even give the option to switch to the opposition's ground if they can provide such pitch protection. I know there are no guarantees where the weather is concerned but surely the SFA could be more proactive. These muppets are stuck in the 1950's. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,419 Posted February 8, 2009 Author Share Posted February 8, 2009 Or, if they won't insist on something like this, the SFA might take a more reasonable approach to pitch inspections - or even give the option to switch to the opposition's ground if they can provide such pitch protection. I know there are no guarantees where the weather is concerned but surely the SFA could be more proactive. These muppets are stuck in the 1950's. Agree, I feel for the fans that travelled for this EARLY KICK-OFF,they should be refunded their travel costs. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jum Spence Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Rangers chief executive Martin Bain criticises the SFA over the timing of the postponement of their Scottish Cup tie against Forfar. More... 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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