Billy Dodds has slammed the decision to shift the Scottish Cup final to accommodate the English version for TV purposes.
The Inverness CT boss believes it's unfair of the Scottish FA and broadcasters to reschedule the showpiece of the season to avoid a clash with Manchester City vs Manchester United at Wembley the same day. Hampden beaks had toyed with the idea of a lunchtime kick-off for the clash with Celtic on Saturday June 3, but eventually settled on 5.30pm.
That was met with a strong reaction from the Hoops, who said in a statement that the SFA had made the decision without “meaningful consultation” with the club. They also said issues facing fans weren’t addressed, with those from the Highlands now facing a transport headache when heading home instead of getting to Hampden, particularly if the game goes to extra-time and penalties as the champions elect to chase a Treble while Caley are hunting a second cup triumph in eight years.
Dodds is of the opinion that the Scottish Cup final shouldn't be moved to suit anyone other than the clubs involved. The former Rangers striker said: "Any time I have been involved in Scottish Cup finals as a player and a coach, you can't beat three o'clock on a Saturday for your showpiece but suddenly it's gone to 5.30 which is a shame for our game up here because, for me, others are getting looked after better.
"It's not ideal. I don't think we should ever move our showpiece final to suit anybody. I can only imagine it's for TV rights or something and we don't want to clash.
"It's not ideal for me but I'm just glad we're there. I would rather, like everybody else, 3pm on Saturday should be your showpiece final."
From a players' perspective, Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley was not too concerned but expressed sympathy with Inverness fans, the majority of whom are set to spend their post-match Saturday night out on buses.
O'Riley said: "I don't mind. I suppose because it's a bit later we get to sleep a bit more, so that's one positive. It's another game, a different time of day and if you win it you win a trophy, that's the main thing."
Asked about the possible problems Inverness fans could have in getting back home after the game, he said: "I didn't really think about that but I'm sure that's quite brutal, but they can probably make the most of a night out in Glasgow if they chose to."
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