Scottish Cup: Morton Chief Questions Games Proceeding Amid Bad Weather
2 March 2018
ByJonathan Sutherland & Brian McLauchlin
BBC Scotland
Greenock Morton's chief executive has required all four Scottish Cup quarter-finals to be delayed due to the fact that of the weather condition.
The Scottish FA state "there are no strategies to call off" 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 postponed.
"I just take a look at the blanket weather we have actually had," stated Morton's Warren Hawke.
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"We've never seen anything like this before - well I have not in my 20 years north of the border.
"I just think a blanket postponement for this weekend's fixtures appears the proper decision so everybody can get themselves back on track and start planning once again."
SFA interim chief executive Andrew McKinlay stated: "As it stands there are no strategies to cancel any of the William Hill Scottish Cup Sixth Round components. The desire and hope is that they continue as prepared.
"There are no pitch examinations scheduled for these matches at this stage and each host club has actually worked relentlessly to guarantee the pitches and the surrounding areas are safe and in the very best possible condition.
"We repeat that we are in continuous close contact with all clubs worried, police and regional authorities. The scenario will be reviewed frequently on a case by case basis."
Morton's meeting with Celtic is arranged to kick off at 12:30 GMT, with Aberdeen v Kilmarnock at 15:00.
"We have got supporters that we sent out tickets to on Tuesday today and they haven't received them yet," Hawke informed BBC Scotland.
"We have actually had phone calls today from our advocates stating, 'I've got seven 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 just so simple to say, 'Game's on, whatever's fine on and around Celtic Park'.
"But you'll have individuals attempting to risk it due to the fact that they are pass away hard advocates, they are enthusiasts and they will attempt and do everything to get to the game.
"We are just not considering our customers one bit."
Falkirk manager Paul Hartley, whose side visit Rangers on Sunday (14:15) after Motherwell host Hearts (16:15), highlighted the requirement to consider the security of supporters.
"I believe we have actually got to have the concerns of the supporters [on our minds] for sure," said Hartley.
"Safety is always paramount. Maybe in some cases just wait to the last minute. But we have actually got to be sensible too in regards to when we call games off. You can't wait till the last minute. Our issues is always the safety of fans and our gamers."
Heavy snow suggests the Falkirk Stadium runs out bounds and Hartley has actually been forced to take his gamers to Ravenscraig for some indoor training in a bid to prepare yourself for Sunday.
But he makes certain his gamers will be all set for Rangers if the video game does proceed.
"It's been hard in terms of the conditions and gamers taking a trip from different places," Hartley added. "Today we thought we might get on the pitch however we needed to cancel at the last minute. We handled to get Ravenscraig and a complete pitch for the next few hours. It's not perfect but we just need to get on with it."
McKinley included: "The security of advocates, players and staff, as constantly, remains our top concern. We acknowledge that, in any case, some advocates are most likely to be left inconvenienced.
"However, we are conscious that a great numerous have actually already committed to tickets and travels strategies and that - along with enhancing weather condition conditions, projections from authorities and the views of the bulk of the clubs included - has caused our present stance.
"Any fan who does decide to take a trip is prompted to do so with care and speak with all pertinent public transportation and travel bodies before embarking on any journey.
"Conditions are of course adjustable and we stay on standby to react to advancements."
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