FIGURES from across the political spectrum have blasted plans to play both Scottish League Cup semi-finals at Hampden on the same day, insisting football fans are being treated with “contempt”.
MSPs lined up to criticise the proposals and called on the Scottish Government to intervene and help get the controversial decision scrapped.
It comes as Police Scotland announced it will reopen talks with the SPFL about the ties, which are both due to take place on October 28 – one of the busiest weekends of the year, with Halloween just around the corner.
Aberdeen are due to meet Rangers at noon on Sunday, while Hearts play Celtic at 7.45pm.
But the fixtures have been widely condemned, with Hearts manager Craig Levein dubbing the timings "absolute madness" and "beyond belief".
Raising the issue in the Scottish Parliament, Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Rumbles, who represents the North East, said the plans had been “botched”.
He said: “Families are thinking twice about going, and that’s a concern when we are wanting young people to be inspired and active.
“And though we all hope people will act responsibly, people are concerned about what could happen as a result of 100,000 fans from four rival teams congregating in one area on the same day.
“It is clearly time for everyone to recognise that a mistake has been made and the schedule must change.”
Scottish Labour MSP James Kelly said: “This decision by the SPFL, taken in secret behind closed doors, treats supporters and the general public with contempt.
“There’s a simple solution – move one of the games to either the Monday evening or the following weekend.”
He called on the Government to lobby the SPFL to reverse the “disastrous” decision.
The SPFL previously argued it is "the best solution" because both Old Firm clubs have Europa League games three days earlier.
It said it had "looked at every possible alternative" and that switching one game to the weekend afterwards "would have created additional fixture challenges".
But police representatives branded the decision “idiotic”, while outraged Aberdeen fans have pointed out the first train to Glasgow will arrive 14 minutes after kick off.
Scottish Tory MSP Jeremy Balfour, who represents Lothian, said he was hoping to take his two daughters to watch Hearts, but that would now be impossible due to the late finish.
SNP MSP James Dornan, whose constituency includes Hampden, accused the SPFL of a “disregard” for football fans and public services, and called for a revamp of the governance of Scottish football.
Meanwhile, fellow Nationalist Maureen Watt said football chiefs had a responsibility for the health and safety of fans as well as players, adding: “Without fans, there would be no clubs and no football TV deals that seem to drive everything.”
Sport minister Joe Fitzpatrick said the Scottish Government recognised there was widespread anger over the decision.
He said: “The Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and ScotRail were not consulted ahead of the SPFL announcement, though we have discussed this issue with all key organisations – including ScotRail and Police Scotland.”
He said ministers were “actively engaging” with those involved and that dialogue would continue, adding: “I hope the appropriate outcome will be reached.”
He said MSPs had raised a number of “very important points” – many of which the SPFL should have considered before making their decision.
Mr Fitzpatrick added: “I understand that Police Scotland has asked the SPFL to review its plans and has sought assurance around public safety. I know that will be a welcome move for many of the fans.
“It’s vital that public order and safety remain paramount in any decision going forward. I would also ask the SPFL to make sure they are considering the fans and they are considering the interests of Scottish football in any final decision.”
The minister said he had asked the SPFL to ensure it consults other organisations, such as ScotRail, before making announcements in future.
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