Scottish Cup: Morton Chief Questions Games Going On 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 held off since of the weather.


The Scottish FA state "there are no plans 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 .


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


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


"I simply believe a blanket post ponement for this weekend's fixtures appears the correct decision so everybody can get themselves back on track and start preparing again."


SFA interim chief executive Andrew McKinlay stated: "As it stands there are no strategies to call off any of the William Hill Scottish Cup Sixth Round components. The desire and hope is that they proceed 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 areas are safe and in the very best possible condition.


"We repeat that we are in consistent close contact with all clubs worried, authorities and regional authorities. The scenario will be reviewed routinely on a case by case basis."


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


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


"We've had telephone call today from our fans stating, 'I've got 7 tickets, by the way I can't get out of my drive - we've got a foot-and-a-half of snow here. What do I do?'


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


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


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


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


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


"Safety is constantly paramount. Maybe often simply wait to the eleventh hour. But we have actually got to be practical too in regards to when we call video games off. You can't wait until the last minute. Our issues is constantly the security of advocates and our players."


Heavy snow means the Falkirk Stadium is out of bounds and Hartley has actually been forced to take his players to Ravenscraig for some indoor training in a bid to get all set for Sunday.


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


"It's been tough in terms of the conditions and players travelling from various places," Hartley included. "Today we thought we might get on the pitch but we had to cancel at the last minute. We managed to get Ravenscraig and a full 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, players and personnel, as always, stays our top concern. We acknowledge that, either way, some advocates are most likely to be left inconvenienced.


"However, we are mindful that a great numerous have already dedicated to tickets and journeys plans and that - along with improving weather, forecasts from authorities and the views of most of the clubs included - has led to our current position.


"Any advocate who does decide to take a trip is urged to do so with caution and speak with all relevant public transport and travel bodies before embarking on any journey.


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


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