Scottish Cup: Morton Chief Questions Games Proceeding Amid Bad Weather

2 March 2018


ByJonathan Sutherland & Brian McLauchlin
BBC Scotland


Greenock Morton's president has actually required all four quarter-finals to be held off since of the weather condition.


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


All weekend Scottish Professional Football League matches have been held off.


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


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


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


SFA interim president Andrew McKinlay stated: "As it stands there are no plans 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 evaluations set up for these matches at this phase and each host club has worked tirelessly to guarantee the pitches and the surrounding areas are safe and in the finest possible condition.


"We restate that we are in continuous close contact with all clubs worried, authorities and regional authorities. The situation will be evaluated routinely on a case by case basis."


Morton's conference with Celtic is arranged to kick off at 12:30 GMT, with Aberdeen v Kilmarnock at 15:00.


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


"We have actually had call today from our fans saying, 'I've got 7 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, everything's fine on and around Celtic Park'.


"But you'll have individuals trying to risk it since they are die hard fans, they are enthusiasts and they will attempt and do whatever to get to the game.


"We are simply not considering our consumers one little bit."


Falkirk supervisor Paul Hartley, whose side check out Rangers on Sunday (14:15) after Motherwell host Hearts (16:15), highlighted the need to consider the safety of advocates.


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


"Safety is constantly paramount. Maybe sometimes 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 until the eleventh hour. Our issues is constantly the safety of advocates and our players."


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


But he makes sure his players will be all set for Rangers if the game does proceed.


"It's been tough in regards to the conditions and players taking a trip from different places," Hartley included. "Today we believed we might get on the pitch but we needed to abort at the last minute. We managed to get Ravenscraig and a complete pitch for the next couple of hours. It's not ideal however we just have to get on with it."


McKinley added: "The safety of supporters, gamers and personnel, as always, remains our top concern. We acknowledge that, either way, some advocates are most likely to be left bothered.


"However, we are mindful that a terrific lots of have actually already dedicated to tickets and travels plans and that - in addition to improving weather, forecasts from authorities and the views of most of the clubs involved - has actually led to our present stance.


"Any fan who does decide to take a trip is advised to do so with caution and seek advice from all pertinent public transportation and travel bodies before starting any journey.


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


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