Scottish Cup: Morton Chief Questions Games Proceeding Amid Bad Weather

2 March 2018


ByJonathan Sutherland & Brian McLauchlin
BBC Scotland


Greenock Morton's chief executive has actually required all 4 Scottish Cup quarter-finals to be delayed due to the fact that of the weather condition.


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


All weekend Scottish Professional Football League matches have been postponed.


"I just look at the blanket weather we have actually had," stated Morton's Warren Hawke.


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"We have actually never ever seen anything like this before - well I have not in my 20 years north of the border.


"I just think a blanket post ponement for this weekend's components seems the proper choice so everybody can get themselves back on track and begin planning again."


SFA interim president Andrew McKinlay stated: "As it stands there are no strategies to abort any of the William Hill Scottish Cup Sixth Round fixtures. The desire and hope is that they continue as planned.


"There are no pitch inspections arranged for these matches at this phase and each host club has worked tirelessly to guarantee the pitches and the surrounding locations are safe and in the finest possible condition.


"We reiterate that we are in continuous close contact with all clubs concerned, authorities and local authorities. The circumstance will be evaluated routinely on a case by case basis."


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


"We have got fans that we sent out tickets to on Tuesday this week and they have not received them yet," Hawke told BBC Scotland.


"We've had telephone call today from our supporters saying, 'I've got seven tickets, by the method I can't leave my drive - we've got a foot-and-a-half of snow here. What do I do?'


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


"But you'll have individuals trying to risk it because they are pass away tough supporters, they are enthusiasts and they will attempt and do whatever to get to the video game.


"We are just ruling out our clients one little 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 safety of advocates.


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


"Safety is constantly vital. Maybe in some cases simply wait to the last minute. But we have actually got to be practical too in regards to when we call video games off. You can't wait up until the last minute. Our concerns is always the security of supporters and our gamers."


Heavy snow implies the Falkirk Stadium runs out bounds and Hartley has been forced to take his gamers to Ravenscraig for some indoor training in a quote to get ready for Sunday.


But he makes certain his gamers will be all set for Rangers if the video game does go on.


"It's been challenging in terms of the conditions and gamers travelling from various areas," Hartley included. "Today we thought we might get on the pitch but we had to abort at the last minute. We managed to get Ravenscraig and a complete pitch for the next couple of hours. It's not perfect however we simply have to get on with it."


McKinley added: "The safety of supporters, gamers and staff, as always, remains our top concern. We acknowledge that, in any case, some fans are likely to be left troubled.


"However, we are mindful that a terrific many have actually already devoted to tickets and journeys strategies which - in addition to enhancing weather, projections from authorities and the views of most of the clubs involved - has led to our current position.


"Any advocate who does decide to travel is urged to do so with caution and speak with all pertinent public transportation and travel bodies before starting any journey.


"Conditions are naturally adjustable and we remain on standby to react to advancements."


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