Scottish Cup: Morton Chief Questions Games Going Ahead Amid Bad Weather

2 March 2018


ByJonathan Sutherland & Brian McLauchlin
BBC Scotland


Greenock Morton's president has required all 4 Scottish Cup quarter-finals to be delayed because of the weather condition.


The Scottish FA say "there are no strategies to cancel" Celtic v Morton and Aberdeen v Kilmarnock on Saturday or either of Sunday's ties.


All weekend Scottish Professional Football League matches have actually been postponed.


"I simply take a look at the blanket weather we have had," stated Morton's Warren Hawke.


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"We've never seen anything like this before - well I haven't in my 20 years north of the border.


"I simply think a blanket postponement for this weekend's components seems the correct choice so everybody can get themselves back on track and begin preparing once again."


SFA interim chief executive Andrew McKinlay said: "As it stands there are no strategies to cancel any of the William Hill Scottish Cup Sixth Round components. The desire and hope is that they proceed as planned.


"There are no pitch examinations arranged for these matches at this stage and each host club has actually worked relentlessly to ensure the pitches and the surrounding areas are safe and in the best possible condition.


"We repeat that we remain in continuous close contact with all clubs worried, cops and local authorities. The scenario will be evaluated regularly on a case by case basis."


Morton's conference with Celtic is set up to begin at 12:30 GMT, with Aberdeen v Kilmarnock at 15:00.


"We have got advocates that we sent tickets to on Tuesday today and they have not received them yet," Hawke informed BBC Scotland.


"We have actually had phone calls today from our advocates stating, 'I have actually got 7 tickets, by the method I can't leave my drive - we have actually got a foot-and-a-half of snow here. What do I do?'


"It's simply so easy to state, 'Game's on, whatever's fine on and around Celtic Park'.


"But you'll have individuals attempting to risk it due to the fact that they are die hard advocates, they are enthusiasts and they will attempt and do everything to get to the game.


"We are simply ruling out our consumers one bit."


Falkirk supervisor Paul Hartley, whose side check out Rangers on Sunday (14:15) after Motherwell host Hearts (16:15), highlighted the requirement to think about the security of fans.


"I think we have actually got to have the concerns of the advocates [on our minds] for sure," stated Hartley.


"Safety is always critical. Maybe in some cases just wait to the last minute. But we have actually got to be sensible too in regards to when we call video games off. You can't wait till the eleventh hour. Our concerns is always the safety of fans and our players."


Heavy snow indicates the Falkirk Stadium runs out bounds and Hartley has been required to take his gamers to Ravenscraig for some indoor training in a bid to prepare for Sunday.


But he makes sure his gamers will be prepared for Rangers if the game does go on.


"It's been challenging in regards to the conditions and gamers travelling from various places," Hartley included. "Today we believed we could get on the pitch however we had to call off at the last minute. We handled to get Ravenscraig and a complete pitch for the next few hours. It's not perfect however we just need to get on with it."


McKinley added: "The security of supporters, gamers and staff, as constantly, stays our leading priority. We acknowledge that, in any case, some advocates are most likely to be left bothered.


"However, we are conscious that a great many have actually currently dedicated to tickets and travels strategies and that - together with enhancing climate condition, forecasts from authorities and the views of most of the clubs involved - has caused our existing stance.


"Any advocate who does choose to take a trip is prompted to do so with caution and speak with all pertinent public transportation and travel bodies before starting any journey.


"Conditions are of course adjustable and we stay on standby to react to developments."


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