Politicians tell SFA to rethink 5.30pm kick-off time for Scottish Cup final
Celtic and Inverness meet on June 3 for the Hampden showdown
Last updated 11th May 2023
A Holyrood committee has sent a letter to the SFA asking them to stick with the traditional Scottish Cup final kick-off time at Hampden.
Football's governing body has instead moved this years final between Celtic and Inverness to a 5.30pm start.
Both clubs claim they were not consulted on the change while condemning the move.
It was suggested the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United kicking off at 3pm influenced the Scottish FA .
Clare Haughey, convener of the health, social care and sport committee, has written to Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell calling on them to rethink their decision.
The kick off time move sets 'dangerous precedent'
In her letter she said: "As I am sure you will already be aware, this change of kick-off time has caused considerable disruption to those travelling fans who had already made travel arrangements prior to it being announced".
"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.
"On this basis, I would urge the SFA to reconsider its decision and to reinstate the traditional kick-off time of 3pm for this year’s Scottish Cup Final.
"In responding to this letter, I would also request that you give the Committee an understanding of the reasons behind the SFA’s decision to change the kick-off time and, in reaching that decision, to outline any prior discussions you have had with Scottish Government Ministers, with transport service providers and with fan associations to ensure any associated disruption to individual travel plans would be kept to an acceptable minimum".
This comes after Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick and MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Drew Hendry both expressed concerns at the kick off time.
READ MORE HERE: Celtic 'disappointed' as Scottish Cup final moved to late 5.30pm kick off