MSPs urge SFA to change cup final kick-off time

Inverness will take on Celtic in the Scottish Cup final on June 3

MSPs have urged the SFA to reconsider its decision to move the kick-off time of the Scottish Cup final.

The Hampden match between Celtic and Inverness on 3 June was moved from 15:00 to 17:30 to avoid a clash with the FA Cup Final at Wembley.

Holyrood's Sports Committee said the move set a dangerous precedent for other major sporting events.

The SFA said the later kick-off was a factor in having the match reach "as wide an audience as possible".

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SNP MSP Clare Haughey, the committee's convener, said the move had caused "considerable disruption" for supporters who had already made travel arrangements.

In a letter to SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell, she wrote: "Alongside the safety implications of a later kick-off time, there is also a concern that the decision sets a dangerous precedent for other major sporting events in Scotland and will be no less disruptive to the viewing public."

She urged the SFA to reconsider its decision and reinstate the "traditional kick-off time" of 15:00.

Ms Haughey asked whether any discussions were held with government ministers, transport operators and fans.

"If it is no longer possible to reinstate the original kick-off time of 15:00, I would also ask you to outline what further steps you will be taking to ensure the safety of all those attending the match, including adequate transport provision to enable travelling fans to return home safely afterwards, most notably those who will be travelling considerable distances," the MSP added.

Clare Haughey has asked the SFA to explain its decision

The showpiece event in Glasgow was moved to avoid a clash between Manchester City and Manchester United.

Both finalists have said they would have preferred the kick-off time of remain 15:00.

But the Scottish FA preferred to move its showpiece, which will be shown live on BBC Scotland and Viaplay.

BBC Scotland said the kick-off time was announced after discussions with all parties - and it would be able to offer licence fee payers the possibility of watching both games live.

Celtic said they were "hugely disappointed" by the move, while Inverness said they were "obviously very disappointed".

They added: "It is certainly not in the interest of both sets of fans and, as we know, our own supporters will be greatly inconvenienced by the travel challenges they now face."

'Widest-possible audience'

In a response to Ms Haughey's letter seen by the BBC, Mr Maxwell said a number of factors had been considered.

As well as "scheduling conflicts" between the Scottish Cup final and other matches, he said BBC Scotland had confirmed it would "not permit a BBC One UK-wide broadcast".

He said this would "diminish the visibility of Scottish football's showpiece occasion".

Mr Maxwell added there had been talks with Inverness and the club's preference was for a later kick-off due to factors including public transport issues.

He said: "A 5.30pm kick-off will ensure a sold-out stadium and prime Saturday evening television that affords the widest-possible television audience."

On the issue of transport for Inverness fans, Mr Maxwell said he had been assured by the club that arrangements had been made with bus providers to ensure fans had access to a return journey.