BORTHWICK RAPS 'LUDICROUS' TRIP

By Ian Rodgers, PA Sport

Hearts fans' spokesman John Borthwick has branded the decision to stage the all-Edinburgh Tennent's Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park as "absolutely ludicrous".

The Scottish Football Association board has ordered the game between Hearts and Hibernian on April 2 to remain in Glasgow.

The Jambos had requested Murrayfield be used to host the semi-final, which will start at 12.15pm - while the Scottish Rugby Union offered their 67,800-seat stadium for use.

Hibernian manager Tony Mowbray claimed Murrayfield would offer an advantage to Hearts, who played UEFA Cup games there in 2004.

But Borthwick, secretary of the Federation of Hearts Supporters Clubs, insists transport problems should far outweigh any other considerations.

"The decision is absolutely ludicrous," he said. "We are talking about a 12.15pm kick-off on a Sunday, transport problems, lack of trains, 45,000 Edinburgh fans travelling through to Glasgow - and back.

"I wrote to David Taylor (SFA chief executive) on behalf of our federation citing all these problems, and we have to ask what the decision was based on.

"I could see tradition coming into it if it was the final. But other semis have been played at Tynecastle, Easter Road and Dens Park - so that argument does not work.

"The bottom line is it is not common-sense to have 40,000 Edinburgh supporters travelling all the way through to Glasgow on a Sunday morning.

"That to me it is not common-sense. The SFA decision has obviously not taken common-sense into consideration.

"We have still to speak to Hearts, because there has not been enough time since the decision was made.

"I can understand their stance. But there is still a lot of time between now and April 2."

Hearts have already stated their intention to "respect" the decision - but Borthwick is hoping the club will think again.

He said: "It is one thing the SFA saying the decision has been made, but I would like to know what circumstances they took into consideration before making it.

"I would like to see at least, if nothing else, the club appeal against the decision."

A Tynecastle spokesman said: "We are more than happy to play the semi-final at Hampden.

"We asked the SFA to consider the option of Murrayfield, because it would have been more convenient for supporters.

"The SFA considered our request and feel the match should be at Hampden - and we respect their decision."

A Hibs spokesman said: "Our position has always been we will play wherever the SFA tell us to. We are just happy they have made the decision.

"It is an SFA competition, and we have no problem with playing at Hampden."

The SFA board of directors voted unanimously to stage the all-Edinburgh tie in Glasgow.

But Hearts general secretary and operations director Campbell Ogilvie was not involved in discussions over the venue.

Taylor said: "Over the past few days, we have conducted a thorough investigation which included consultations with the clubs, police and relevant authorities.

"Sporting considerations require that the semi-finals of our national cup competition are played at a neutral venue, acceptable to both clubs and the SFA, as competition organisers.

"This test has not been satisfied as far as the Murrayfield option is concerned. Hampden Park, on the other hand, is a tried-and-tested UEFA five-star venue, which has been designed to stage major football events."

The semi-final between Gretna and the winners of the Dundee v Hamilton replay on Thursday will also be staged at Hampden, on April 1.

Taken from sportinglife.com