BBC Scotland were in full gloating mode after the SPFL decided to switch Celtic’s Betfred Cup semi-final from Hamden to Murrayfield.
Six days after making the original decision it seems that the SPFL are in fact NOT contractually obliged to stage semi-final’s involving Celtic or Hearts at Hampden.
Since Neil Doncaster’s announcement last Thursday hundreds of supporters have booked up travel and accommodation for a Sunday night match that the SPFL were contractually obliged to host.
Historians may correct me, but Hearts v Celtic will be the first Cup semi-final (or final) played outside Glasgow since 1912? Celtic’s statement calls it “discriminatory”. Asked to play a s/f outside their own city for the first time in a century and there’s ructions. Come on.
— Tom English (@TEnglishSport) October 3, 2018
Historians may also wish to explain the word LIQUIDATION
Oh get on with it Celtic, for crying out loud. Aberdeen, Hibs, Hearts and everyone else regularly have to make the trek to Glasgow for these games. For once, go 40 miles the other way. #BetfredCup
— Graham Spiers (@GrahamSpiers) October 3, 2018
Rather than question the SPFL over the decision to inconvenience Celtic fans a favoured old line is being trotted out.
Just like the claim that Celtic should be good enough to overcome honest mistakes from referees like Bobby Madden and Steven McLean Celtic fans should just shrug their shoulders over having travel plans kicked into touch.
If it had been explained at the time of the draw that one match would be staged at Murrayfield and a draw taken place on television over venues there would have been no complaints.
The manner of decisions in the last week is the big issue.
Perhaps someone at the state broadcaster might wish to consider if an assistant linesman being struck with a coin, bottles being thrown at St Mirren and Aberdeen supporters inside a stadium and ‘West of Scotland’ fans attacking and stabbing Osijek supporters was a factor in deciding which match stays at Hampden for Glasgow police officers to cope with?
A dozen BBC Scotland employees are in Salzburg tonight for Celtic’s Europa League tie, STV have two employees at the match, Radio Clyde has one.