Highland MP calls out Scottish Football Association over timing of Inverness Caley Thistle's Scottish Cup Final clash with Celtic
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A Highland MP has written to the Scottish Football Association expressing “deep concerns” over arrangements for Inverness Caley Thistle’s Scottish Cup Final against Celtic.
Drew Hendry, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey, called the proposed switch of timing for the final from the traditional 3pm slot to 5.30 pm “a major inconvenience” to Caley Jags supporters, while raising safety fears for travelling fans.
He said: “Something's got to give, and I hope that for the sake of fans of Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, travelling from the Highlands, that common sense prevails.”
The final, on Saturday June 3, was initially set to be switched to a 12 noon kick-off time to avoid a clash with the English FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City.
That proposal was greeted with uproar from both sets of fans, with the second timing - understood to be at the behest of broadcasters Viaplay – proving just as unpopular in Glasgow and Inverness.
Neither the morning nor the evening timing enables Inverness fans to easily make their way to the final using public transport and without avoiding an early start or late arrival home.
Over the last 12 years, a clash has been avoided with the English final being played at times other than 3pm.
This year, it has been moved to the 3pm slot under police advice.
Mr Hendry’s letter to the SFA reads: “I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the decision to change the kick-off time of the Scottish Cup final from 3pm to 5:30pm.
“It has been suggested that this decision was made to avoid a clash with the FA Cup final in England, which, if true, is wholly unacceptable and sends the wrong message about the importance of the Scottish Cup final to fans in Scotland.
“Furthermore, this change in kick-off time creates a major inconvenience for supporters travelling from the Highlands. As you are aware, Inverness Caledonian Thistle is playing Celtic in the final, and there are no trains or buses available for fans from Inverness to catch to travel home after the game if it is played this late.
“This lack of adequate transport arrangements not only inconveniences fans but also presents a safety risk for supporters who may have to resort to other means of transportation.
“The Scottish Cup final is the crown jewel of the Scottish football calendar, and a 3pm kick-off time has long been the traditional time for this event.
“Changing this tradition for the sake of avoiding a clash with the FA Cup final in England is unacceptable, and I would urge you to reconsider the kick-off time to reflect the stature of the game more accurately.”
Mr Hendry, who is a Hearts supporter and the SNP’s spokesman on foreign affairs, insists a solution should be found but, if not, wants action taken to ensure safe transport for all supporters wishing to make the match.
Celtic, with a large fanbase in England, Ireland and beyond, also have voiced concerns.
Mr Hendry’s letter continued: “If the kick-off time must remain at 5:30pm, I would like to request that adequate transport arrangements be made for supporters.
“This could include, for example, liaising with Scotrail to enable extra trains from direct to Inverness that would be specifically for fans and take into consideration the possibility of the game going to extra time or penalties and also allowing for potential celebrations on the pitch.
“As the governing body of Scottish football, you have a responsibility to ensure that fans can travel to and from games easily and safely.
“To put either of these in jeopardy to prevent clashes with any game taking place in another nation is grossly misjudged, to say the least.
“I hope you will take these concerns seriously and take appropriate action to ensure that the Scottish Cup final is given the respect it deserves.”
