Celtic have written to the SPFL to demand they are not automatically sent to Murrayfield in the latest twist to Betfred Cup semi-finals farce.

The row over the last four showdowns blew up again after cops U-turned on their decision to shoe-horn more than 100,000 fans into Hampden on the same day.

Record Sport broke the news online that a new plan is now under discussion to move Celtic’s showdown with Hearts across the M8 to Murrayfield for a possible lunchtime showdown in the capital.

And the proposal would also lead to Aberdeen’s Hampden last four clash with Rangers - which had originally been allocated a high noon kick-off slot - being put back to a mid-afternoon start instead.

But now we understand the defending champions have called for another ballot to decide which of the ties is moved across the country - if the SRU agree to stage one of them at the home of Scottish rugby.

A Parkhead source said: “In the interests of fairness this should be decided by some sort of draw. We understand that circumstances dictate the SPFL are acting without precedent where the semi final fixtures are concerned but it should not follow that our fans are inconvenienced and forced to travel to Edinburgh.

“It would seem much more fair if this was decided by a draw rather than predetermined.”

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The SPFL has faced a furious backlash from Hearts and Aberdeen, as well as fans of all four sides, since last week’s decision to stage both matches at the national stadium on Sunday October 28.

Police Scotland also came under fire from union bosses who argued that the ‘four teams in one day’ would put their own officers in harm’s way.

Record Sport understands the football authorities were privately urged to reconsider by police chiefs on Tuesday morning as concerns grew over an array of glaring transport problems and potential public safety issues.

And, as the controversy raged on into the afternoon, SFA chief executive Ian Mawell stepped into the row to offer an unexpected olive branch when he freed the SPFL of their contractual obligations to stage both matches at Hampden.

Late yesterday afternoon SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster confirmed that fresh talks are now underway to move one of the matches.

In the statement Doncaster said: “The SPFL has announced it is in discussions over the possibility of moving one of the forthcoming Betfred Cup semi-finals to an alternative venue.

“SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “After the draw, we spoke to Hampden Park Limited to ask whether they would release us from a contractual obligation to host all semi-finals involving the Old Firm at Hampden. They declined our request and we were unwilling to breach this contract and risk legal action.

“However, I’m pleased to report that we have been contacted this morning by SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell who said that Hampden Park Limited has now reconsidered that position and have agreed to waive that legal obligation.

“This is clearly extremely welcome news. We immediately contacted Police Scotland and informed them of this development and this has enabled us to open talks to explore whether the match could be staged at an alternative venue in the timescales available.

“Whilst we are taking nothing for granted and are unable to make a definitive announcement at this early stage, if agreement can be reached between all parties involved, this would allow us to change from the original kick-off times which Police Scotland specified to ensure the matches could be staged at Hampden on the same day. The good news is that fans would have more convenient travel arrangements.

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“Whilst we received firm assurances from both Hampden Park Limited and Police Scotland that they were able to host both games on the same day, today’s very welcome call is a potential game-changer.

“Everyone recognises that it would be better if we can hold these matches in separate stadia and the fact that we’re now able to explore that option is great news.

“We will now discuss with a number of parties, including the SFA, Police Scotland and the clubs involved before reaching a definitive position, which we will announce as soon as possible to enable fans to make the necessary travel arrangements.”

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Doncaster is understood to have asked his counter parts at the SRU if Murrayfield can be made available to host one of the matches but was still waiting for an answer last night.

If an agreement can be reached it is likely that Celtic’s clash with Hearts will take place in the capital first - with Rangers and Aberdeen playing later that same afternoon in Glasgow.