Holyrood committee calls on SFA to 'reconsider' late kick-off time for the Scottish Cup final
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A Scottish Parliament committee has written to the Scottish FA calling on bosses to reconsider the late 5.30pm kick-off time for the Scottish Cup final next month.
Usually the match to win the world’s oldest cup in association football started at 3pm but it was changed for this year’s final between Celtic and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
The SFA announced a 5.30pm start and thanked “all parties for their support in ensuring a slot commensurate with Scottish football’s showpiece occasion.”
But that decision came after it was revealed in the media that broadcasters did not want it to clash with the English cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City as that also kicks off at 3pm.
Both Celtic and Inverness immediately decried the decision, said there had not been full consultation and that it was be a huge inconvenience to supporters.
That position has now been backed by a parliament committee.
Clare Haughey, convener of the health, social care and sport committee, wrote to Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell calling on them to reconsider their decision.
Ms Haughey wrote: “As I am sure you will already be aware, this change of kick-off time has caused considerable disruption to those travelling fans who had already made travel arrangements prior to it being announced.
“Alongside the safety implications of a later kick-off time, there is also a concern that the decision sets a dangerous precedent for other major sporting events in Scotland and will be no less disruptive to the viewing public.
“On this basis, I would urge the SFA to reconsider its decision and to reinstate the traditional kick-off time of 3pm for this year’s Scottish Cup Final.”
Demand for reasons for the change
She added: “In responding to this letter, I would also request that you give the committee an understanding of the reasons behind the SFA’s decision to change the kick-off time and, in reaching that decision, to outline any prior discussions you have had with Scottish Government ministers, with transport service providers and with fan associations to ensure any associated disruption to individual travel plans would be kept to an acceptable minimum.
“If it is no longer possible to reinstate the original kick-off time of 3pm, I would also ask you to outline what further steps you will be taking to ensure the safety of all those attending the match, including adequate transport provision to enable travelling fans to return home safely afterwards, most notably those who will be travelling considerable distances.”
ICT slammed the decision, saying that the club had told the tournament organisers of their concerns in writing ahead of the decision.
A message to supporters on the Inverness website read: “Following on from today’s SFA Cup Final announcement and the rescheduling of our match to 5.30pm on Saturday June 3rd, the club is obviously very disappointed. We believe the showpiece Scottish occasion should have remained at 3pm.
“We made this known to the SFA last Thursday and we reiterated our view in writing on Sunday following our semi-final win at the weekend. It is certainly not in the interest of both sets of fans and as we know, our own supporters will be greatly inconvenienced by the travel challenges they now face.
Celtic was also unhappy, making a that read: “We are hugely disappointed that the Scottish Cup Final has been moved from its traditional 3pm slot, something we don’t believe was necessary, or in the best interests of both sets of supporters.
“Additionally, there was no meaningful consultation with Celtic on this matter, in terms of assessing the many issues affecting supporters attending the match – something which is also extremely regrettable.”
