A bid to get the Dons’ semi-final at Hampden rescheduled from a noon kick-off has been shown the red card.

The Dons v Morton game is scheduled for 12.15pm at Hampden on Saturday, October 22, with the Old Firm game on the Sunday at 2.15pm.

Dons fans have complained this does not give them enough time to travel to Glasgow as there are track repairs disrupting train services.

North-east MSP Lewis Macdonald, Labour, and Moray MSP Richard Lochhead, SNP, wrote to the SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster asking for a later kick-off.

Now Doncaster has replied, saying the Old Firm game would not be moved.

In a letter to the two MSPs, he said: “In advance of making decisions on the venue and timing of these ties, and in accordance with well-established practice, the SPFL took into account the views of the competing clubs and Police Scotland.

“”In this case there was a very clear and strong preference from Police Scotland that the Rangers v Celtic semi-final should be scheduled for Sunday, October 23 2016.

“Respecting this request naturally resulted in the Greenock Morton v Aberdeen semi-final being scheduled for Saturday, October 22, 2016.

“I am sure you would agree, in these circumstances, that to have ignored the advice of Police Scotland would have been irresponsible.

“The timing of the Greenock Morton v Aberdeen semi-final kick-off (ie 12.15pm) is as a result of UEFA Regulations, which forbid the broadcast of this match across the UK at any time during the ‘blocked hours’ of 2.15pm to 5.15pm on a Saturday.

“While I of course sympathise with those Aberdeen FC fans who face a relatively early start on Saturday, October 22 to follow their team at Hampden, I do hope we will see two vibrant and competitive matches at Scotland’s national stadium that weekend.”

Police have confirmed they were consulted on the arrangements for the two semi-finals.

But they said it is all down to the SPFL as to when the games take place.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Although Police Scotland are consulted, ultimately the decision relating to dates and timings of fixtures is a matter for the Scottish Professional Football League.”