BEARGER

If this is correct, what a bloody shambles! https://www.followfollow.com/the-cost-of-the-semi-ffnal-farce-could-be-at-least-380000/ Follow Follow can reveal that the SPFL can only move a semi final game from Hampden if they agreed to pay the match fee for both games – the contract stipulates £115,000 per match. The company which runs Hampden, effectively Queens Park FC, are holding the SPFL to that agreement. The Scottish Rugby Union who own Murrayfield have asked for a match fee of £120,000 AND 20% of the gate money. Taking an average of £20 a ticket for the 67,000 capacity rugby ground that is 20% of roughly £1.3million – around £260,000. The total bill to Scottish football will be in the region of £380,000 for this farce. Doncaster has apparently gone to “try and sell it to the SPFL Board.” He hasn’t baulked at these figures. Missing, as usual, from a leadership role in all this is SPFL Chairman Murdoch MacLennan who also has the unaddressed conflict of interest to face considering his support for Celtic; and his employment at the behest of two major Celtic shareholders. As I understand it the SPFL will be paying for two games at Hampden come what may – even if only one takes place. The SRU are playing hardball. It looks like the solution Doncaster & Co. favour is to throw the punters’ money at the problem and hope the public have short memories.

BBC Scotland News showing Scottish Government minister FitzPatrick speaking on this today in parliament. He seemed to be saying that Police had asked for meeting with SPFL to discuss again.

From BBC website This month's Scottish League Cup semi-final arrangements could be changed - with one heading to Edinburgh - amid criticism of the original plans. The Scottish Professional Football league is considering moving Hearts' meeting with Celtic to Murrayfield on Sunday afternoon, 28 October. It comes after Hampden Park Limited waived its right to host both games. SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: "This is clearly extremely welcome news." Aberdeen are scheduled to meet Rangers at noon, with Celtic playing Hearts at 19.45 BST, and Police Scotland had earlier asked for further talks about the plan to hold both at Hampden that day. But a fresh proposal could switch the game between Rangers and Aberdeen to late afternoon in Glasgow. "After the draw, we spoke to Hampden Park Limited to ask whether they would release us from a contractual obligation to host all semi-finals involving the Old Firm at Hampden," Doncaster said. "They declined our request and we were unwilling to breach this contract and risk legal action. "However, I'm pleased to report that we have been contacted this morning by SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell, who said that Hampden Park Limited has now reconsidered that position and have agreed to waive that legal obligation. "This has enabled us to open talks to explore whether the match could be staged at an alternative venue in the timescales available." The SPFL has already held initial discussions with Scottish Rugby about using Murrayfield and Doncaster said that discussions would now follow with the SFA, Police Scotland and the clubs. Scottish Police Federation's general secretary had called the timings "idiotic" and that was followed by Assistant Chief Constable Bernie Higgins calling for a rethink on transport plans and negotiations on other concerns surrounding the ties. "We're aware of issues and concerns that have been raised over the last few days about the date and venue of the League Cup semi-finals," Higgins said. "As a responsible organisation and taking into account these public concerns, I think it sensible to discuss the issues raised with the SPFL and other stakeholders and I have asked the SPFL to look again at the transport plan so we can make a full public safety assessment." The ties were originally planned for October 27 and 28, but the Saturday was ruled out since Rangers and Celtic are in Europa League action on the Thursday. Following a meeting with all four clubs, the SPFL announced that hosting both matches on Sunday was the only solution, due to lack of flexibility with fixtures and a contractual obligation to use the national stadium in Glasgow. Aberdeen and Hearts condemned the decision, citing the problems fans would have travelling. Hearts owner Ann Budge expressed safety concerns, saying the plan was "almost a disaster waiting to happen". And Scottish Police Federation general secretary Calum Steele told BBC Scotland that "the police service is going to be run ragged". 'Public order paramount' The issue was raised at Holyrood, with MSPs saying the plans had been "botched" and displayed a "disregard" for fans and a "lack of consideration for families". Sports minister Joe FitzPatrick told MSPs that there was "anger" among fans, saying he hoped that the SPFL would "listen" and "reach the appropriate outcome". "Discussions are continuing and I understand that Police Scotland has asked the SPFL to review its plans and has sought assurance around public safety," he said. "I know that will be welcomed by many fans. "Police Scotland will review further information and discuss any issues further with the SPFL. It's vital that public order and safety remain paramount in any decision going forward. "I would also ask the SPFL to make sure they are considering the fans and the interests of Scottish football in any decision."

I don’t go to a ground of any club that tried to kill us, that also goes for SFA & SPFL. I also detest Hampden prefer to watch on TV, even refused hospitality’ for this game. My choice.

Yes must be a typo, this from club website https://rangers.co.uk/club/investor-centre/share-information/

SG reaction, https://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/gerrard-no-complaints/

https://mobile.twitter.com/George___Jones/status/1046396032047828993/video/1 Anyone recognise the moron?

If only.

Middleton should be on.

Just what we need a moron throwing an object that hits the assistant.

Kent or Middleton to come on, more direct and faster action required.

Absolute pish in defence there. 1-0.

3 of our players have gone down so far under no pressure.

Yes.

for anyone travelling to match at Livingston today: buses replace trains between Glasgow central and edinburgh Waverley via shotts (calling at Livingston south) services from queen st to Livingston north run as normal please allow extra time if travelling through Glasgow as great Scottish run is on and M8 is currently closed due to a police incident

Dave King and family.

The #M8 remains closed in both directions at Junction 15 (Townhead) due to a Police incident. Unfortunately we can give no indication for it re-opening. Please follow @polscotrpu instructions if you are caught up in the area and expect delays to your journey. Thank you 9:05 AM · Sep 30, 2018

This now gives the following;Shareholder No of Ordinary Shares held % of issued share capitalNew Oasis Asset Limited 21,068,594 14.57%Club 1872 Shares CIC 13,372,254 9.50%George Alexander Taylor 13,445,768 9.30%Borita Investments Limited 11,132,500 7.70%Douglas Park 8,875,094 6.14%Barry Scott 8,645,000 5.98%New Trace Limited 7,500,000 5.19%George Letham 5,856,701 4.05%John Bennett 5,300,000 3.66%

He’s correct though. We would be saying the same if we were the second game. Better add I agree that’s its not a politicians place to worry about pitch, only football fans. Aberdeen and Hearts fans should boycott if so concerned, I know I will be.

POLL RESULT: Takeover Panel - Dave King share sale undertaking Over the past week, members have been voting on whether to authorise the Club 1872 board to sign an irrevocable undertaking not to sell our shares in RIFC at a price of 20p. This was in relation to the Takeover Panel requirement for Rangers Chairman, Dave King to make an offer for all the shares in RIFC. The vote was 97.8% in favour of authorising the board to sign the undertaking. Thank you to everyone who voted and to all members for their continuing support. Club 1872

DONS ANGER Betfred Cup fixture fall-out: Aberdeen brand decision to play two semi-finals at Hampden on same day as ‘appalling and inappropriate’ Aberdeen’s clash with Rangers has been scheduled for noon on Sunday, October 28, while Hearts will face Celtic in the second match kicking off at 7.45pm By David Friel 27th September 2018, 9:18 pm Updated: 27th September 2018, 9:27 pm ABERDEEN have branded the decision to play two Betfred Cup semi-finals at Hampden on the same day as APPALLING and INAPPROPRIATE. The Dons will face Rangers at 12 noon on Sunday October 28 – with Celtic v Hearts following at 7.45pm in an unprecedented move. KENNY RAMSAY - THE SUN GLASGOW Aberdeen fans will be forced to make an early trek down to Glasgow Cops gave the green light but raging Pittodrie chiefs claim their fans have been shafted – and reckon SPFL beaks should have looked at alternatives. A spokesperson said: “As a club we have repeatedly asked that the authorities stop giving us kick-off times which, for our large travelling support, are completely unacceptable, but yet again, what should be a showpiece occasion, is scheduled to start at a time that does not take supporters into account. “While we appreciate Police Scotland was insistent that our game was played first for operational reasons, we believe, and stated along with others, that having both games in the same stadium on the same day, is inappropriate. “There are other options that should have been investigated further, including staging the two games on consecutive weekends or using two different venues which would have allowed kick-off times more suitable for what are hugely significant occasions in the Scottish football calendar. “Contesting the two matches on consecutive weekends would be an alternative surely worth investigating, particularly as Celtic are due to face Heart of Midlothian in the Ladbrokes Premiership the following weekend, while also fulfilling the contractual obligations. “We appreciate the authorities have a difficult job to schedule games in what is an extremely congested calendar but to yet again ask our supporters to be in Glasgow for a 12 noon start on a Sunday is, quite frankly, appalling.”

Can we assume that the clubs involved agreed to this? No statements yet.

Pouring rain all day, our game goes to extra time, pitch is a cut up mess. Can the ground staff get it back into a respectable state? Not bothered about second game, buts it’s a daft decision.

Both of this year's Scottish League Cup semi-finals will be played at Hampden Park on the same day in October. Aberdeen will play Rangers at 12:00 GMT before Hearts face Celtic at 19:45 on Sunday, 28 October after talks between the clubs, Police Scotland and the Scottish Professional Football League. SPFL secretary Ian Blair said this was the "best and most practical solution". He added that Police Scotland advised that the Aberdeen v Rangers game should be played first. The decision was taken because both Old Firm sides play Europa League group matches on Thursday, 25 October. Despite being suggested as a possible venue, Murrayfield will not be used as the SPFL is contractually obliged to stage the semi-finals at Hampden unless advised otherwise by the police. SPFL avoid 'major fixture congestion' It will be the first time Celtic and Rangers have played in Glasgow on the same day since 1983, when they were involved in Scottish Cup semi-finals at Hampden and Celtic Park. Two domestic semi-finals have never been staged at Hampden on the same day. Blair said the SPFL had been "working hard with Police Scotland and Hampden Park" and "examined every possible permutation". "Any alternative had the knock-on effect of causing major fixture congestion, not only for Celtic and Rangers, but for several other clubs," Blair continued in a statement. "The fact both Celtic and Rangers are in Europe, and will hopefully be playing in the Europa League after the New Year, is obviously good news for Scottish football, but it does mean that our capacity for rescheduling games is significantly curtailed."

Just watched one YouTube video of him, you're correct.