Southside MP calls on SPFL to reconsider League Cup semi-final schedule

Posted on September 28 2018 at 13:21

Stewart McDonald MP has written to Chairman of the SPFL, Neil Doncaster, calling on the organisation to reconsider the League Cup semi-final schedule, which currently sees both ties played at Hampden on the same day.

The MP, whose constituency contains Hampden Park, has raised concerns following the SPFL’s decision to stage both of this year's Scottish League Cup semi-finals at Hampden on the same day in October.

Aberdeen will play Rangers at 12:00 GMT before Hearts face Celtic at 19:45 on Sunday, 28 October after talks between the clubs, Police Scotland and the Scottish Professional Football League.

Stewart McDonald, MP for Glasgow South, said:

"I do have concerns for the fans travelling to and from both games on the same day, but I must firstly act in the best interests of my constituents – particularly those living and working in the area surrounding Hampden.

"It is absolutely vital that the SPFL put safety first. Having both games on the same day could compromise this – putting fans and local people at risk.

"At a time that Scottish football is looking to be on the up, given that the SFA just recently announced Hampden would remain the home of Scottish football, it is imperative that these semi-finals are given the proper spectacle they deserve.

"Fans deserve an arrangement that allows them to enjoy the day, and I am seeking a meeting with the SPFL to discuss these arrangements further."

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