So the decision on the Betfred Cup semi-finals is causing quite the stir it would seem.
As Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts get set to build their forts in Glasgow, fans are fuming with the SPFL’s plan of action. Indeed, both Betfred Cup clashes will take place on the same day.
Aberdeen will face Rangers early on at 12pm before Celtic play Hearts at 7:45pm. The decision is final and at this stage there seems like no way to convince the SPFL otherwise. Instead, the league bosses just put their fingers in their ears and listen to nobody. Nothing’s changed there then.
Aberdeen will put on buses for their supporters, or should do anyway. Complaints that they can’t get down to Glasgow on time are simply nonsense. It’s not that when Rangers, Celtic, Hibs, or anyone else has to go to Pittodrie for a similar kick-off times.
The problem here simply has to be policing. The main crux of the issue is that too many opposition fans will congregate in the same areas. Will Aberdeen fans have left Glasgow if they beat Rangers by the time Hearts and Celtic pitch up? No.
Will Rangers fans have left pubs in Glasgow after leaving Hampden is they go through? No.
Inevitable confrontations
Therefore, there will ne inevitable confrontations between differing sets of fans. It could cause plenty of unsavoury incidents and be a total embarrassment for the game up here.
Instead, the decision simply had to be made to play one of the matches at Murrayfield. Seeing as Hearts vs Celtic was the second game scheduled, that could easily have been played in Edinburgh.
Doing so would’ve ensured that supporters would’ve largely been out of each other’s way. There wouldn’t be the same amount of scuffles we’re going to see on October 28th on Scottish football’s “Super Sunday”.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s more of an indictment of how badly behaved football fans are. This isn’t only a Scottish thing, however. You couldn’t have two games on the same day at Wembley either and have Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Manchester City congregating in London.
Making sure that two sides were playing each other a good 45 miles apart would’ve spared plenty of trouble. Policing it wouldn’t be the big inevitability that it is on the 28th.
This isn’t even the only alternative, however,
Celtic face Hearts in a Premiership contest the week after the cup semi-final. Why not just switch these games around and at the very least have both sides over at Parkhead for a 3pm kickoff? There’s surely no overwhelming need for both games to be finalised by that weekend.
Of course, don’t dare question those that govern Scottish football. They know best and put both fans and football at the heart of their decisions, eh?
