I remember, when I used to live in the central belt, being cynical about what seemed like incessant moaning from the north of Scotland about sport, politics and everything else under the sun.
From a distance, many of the complaints were easy to dismiss. Or came across as special pleading. We used to respond that Aberdonians and Dundonians loved a good old moan.
Yet it’s amazing how quickly the perspective changes once you leave Glasgow or Edinburgh and actually survey what’s happening down there from 120 miles away.
Perhaps Neil Doncaster, the SPFL chief executive, should try it occasionally. Maybe then, he would realise why so many of his organisation’s decisions spark anger outwith his clique’s cosy environs.
After all, the SPFL and the SFA constantly keep insisting that fans are the lifeblood of the sport over which they preside.
Why, then, would they regularly arrange major Cup fixtures on days and at times which are specifically designed to make life as difficult as possible for football aficionados?
It’s crazy enough in itself that they have organised two League Cup semi-finals at Hampden Park on the same Sunday in October.
But it’s even more ridiculous that they have ignored such considerations as the national rail timetable before scheduling the Aberdeen v Rangers contest for 12noon – before the first train from the Granite City has actually arrived in the west of Scotland on the Sabbath.
Not unnaturally, Dons fans are furious at this scheduling. Derek McInnes quietly, persuasively said on Friday that the authorities have to pay more attention to those who pay to watch the game.
But, by this stage, it’s becoming nigh impossible to take the SPFL seriously. And definitely not in terms of being a national organisation.
Heaven forbid there is any public disorder in Glasgow at the end of next month. But with nearly eight hours between the kick-off times, it doesn’t require a genius to fear the worst.
The rivalry between Rangers and Celtic doesn’t need any further comment. But with Aberdeen and Hearts also in the mix, it’s an incendiary mixture: maybe the SPFL should have organised the ties for November 5!
And, even if ScotRail manage to put on earlier services for the match, it will still mean Dons supporters from such places as Fraserburgh, Peterhead and other comunities having to leave home at seven or eight in the morning.
One Aberdeen devotee told me on Friday: “They maybe think we’re used to this by now. But we should never stop getting on their case, because they keep making bad decisions.”
He was right. But when is somebody in government going to ask some serious questions of these administrators?
Slowly, but surely, Scotland international matches are becoming famous for therir funereal atmosphere and ghostly ambience.
But that shouldn’t excuse the ineptitude of the SPFL chiefs in arranging this horror show ahead of Halloween.
