CUP HOPES TO BEAT FREEZE
THE Beast from the East is set to wreak more havoc across Scottish football this weekend with nine games already called off.
But no Scottish Cup ties have fallen – although there are doubts surrounding Kilmarnock’s trip to Aberdeen tomorrow. And broadcasters expect tomorrow’s live game between Celtic and Morton to go ahead with Hoops stadium manager Robin Buchanan yesterday
tweeting pictures of the pitch in good condition.
Rangers’ clash with Falkirk at Ibrox and Motherwell’s tie at home to Hearts both take place on Sunday, giving them more chance of beating the big freeze.
A spokesperson for the SFA last night said: “All efforts are being made to ensure the Scottish Cup sixth-round fixtures go ahead as planned.
“There are no pitch inspections scheduled at this stage but we are in close contact with all clubs, police and local authorities to review all matches on a case-by-case basis.
“As always, the safety of supporters, players and staff is our top priority.”
Travel problems and road conditions could put paid to games even if the pitches are playable.
And the blizzards and freezing temperatures that have battered Scotland for the last two days are set to wipe out most of the weekend SPFL card.
That could cause fixtures chaos as the SPFL try to find suitable dates for rescheduled games.
Most of the midweek card fell victim to the weather and further widespread postponements this weekend will give Hampden chiefs another headache.
Tomorrow’s Premiership clash between St Johnstone and Hamilton is the highest profile victim so far.
The Perth club said in a statement: “It’s believed an early call on this game is best for all concerned.”
Tonight’s Championship match between Dundee United and St Mirren is also off, as is Dunfermline’s game with Livingston tomorrow.
In League One, Airdrie v Stranraer and Albion Rovers v Queen’s Park have fallen foul of the weather. And four League Two games were postponed – Berwick v Stirling, Clyde v Elgin, Edinburgh City v Cowdenbeath and Peterhead v Stenhousemuir.
More matches could fall today with Ross County’s home Premiership game against Partick Thistle being “kept under review” by the SPFL along with the rest of the remaining fixtures.
More postponements will cause problems for SPFL chief Neil Doncaster as top-flight fixtures need to be played before the league split on April 8. And two of the midweek dates in March are set to be affected by the international break.
Championship promotion hopefuls Dundee United now face the prospect of playing nine games in just four weeks.
Fourth-placed United have already played three games fewer than all the teams above them – Morton, Livingston and St Mirren – after Tuesday’s game with Queen of the South was cancelled. United are scheduled to play eight games – five away – between now and April 7.
And only the midweek between March 17 and 24 is free for either of this week’s games to be rearranged.
Rugby has also been hit with Edinburgh’s home match tonight against Munster called off a day after Glasgow’s trip to Ulster was shelved.
There will be at least one Premiership game tomorrow after Heriot’s hired a pitch at Oriam to set up the league’s first indoor match.