Police Scotland have asked for a rethink to the SPFL’s Betfred Cup semi-final plans.
The force’s assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins said it had to take on board public concerns for the current arrangements, which will see both semi-finals played at Hampden Park on the same day.
Since the announcement on Thursday, widespread criticism has been directed at the SPFL for their decision, which will see Rangers face Aberdeen at noon and Hearts play Celtic at 7.45pm on October 28.
Dons manager Derek McInnes branded the decision unfair and the club condemned it as “appalling”. Chief executive Duncan Fraser said yesterday that the governing body was “hell-bent” on making this schedule.
The Scottish Police Federation have since hit out at the plans, despite the SPFL originally asserting that police were on board with manning both games. ScotRail have also said they were not consulted prior to the announcement.
ACC Higgins said: “We’re aware of issues and concerns that have been raised over the last few days about the date and venue of the League Cup semi-finals.
“As a responsible organisation and taking into account these public concerns, I think it sensible to discuss the issues raised with the SPFL and other stakeholders and I have asked the SPFL to look again at the transport plan so we can make a full public safety assessment.”
Decisions regarding ticket allocations are due to be made this week, however this may be delayed if a rethink takes place. Aberdeen are pushing for a 50-50 split in ticket sales.
Both the Dons and Hearts strongly objected to the scheduling, with Jambos manager Craig Levein saying it was the craziest thing he had seen in football and playing two games at the same venue on the same day was “madness”.