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Hermit Crab
14-11-2013, 10:17 AM
Below is a letter sent to SPFL secretary about the ridiculous kick off time and venue for their semi final v hearts. Very good points in it.



Caley Jags Together have, today, sent the following letter to SPFL Secretary, Iain Blair.

Date : 13th November 2013

FAO : Iain Blair, Secretary, Scottish Professional Football League

Re: Allocated date & venue, Scottish League Cup semi-final Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Heart of Midlothian

Dear Iain

I write on behalf of, and at the instruction of The Board of Caley Jags Together, the Inverness Caledonian Thistle Supporters Society, to register the strongest possible protest at the venue and timing proposed by the SPFL for the semi-final of this competition, and to formally request that urgent consideration is given to altering either the date, kick off time, venue or all three. I know that Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC are also extremely disappointed with this choice and have communicated with you, but for the following reasons we wish to have answers to the questions below for our membership and our wider fan base :
The choice of venue, in Edinburgh, for the second year in a row is tantamount to awarding Hearts home advantage in the tie. Notwithstanding that we consented to a Saturday at 15:00 fixture in the corresponding day last year, It is beyond reasonable interpretation to define a ground as neutral less than ten miles from Hearts ground, in the same city, and over one hundred and fifty miles from the other clubs ground. Neil Doncaster’s recent quote regarding the criteria for neutrality in the Ramsden’s Cup Final at the same venue appears to give credence to this . Why is the position different in Inverness’s case? This choice gives Hearts an unfair competitive advantage in the tie, as it guarantees them a vastly larger support on the day. Why was no consideration given to a venue outside of Edinburgh, namely at either Dundee United or Aberdeen? Both of these venues would have been more suitable and still involved a great deal less effort and risk on the part of Hearts fans to attend than those from Inverness. Both venues would avoid the extra fifty miles through Fife and a congested journey through Edinburgh for our support (Dundee is 116 miles, Aberdeen 108 and Edinburgh 158)

The date of 2nd of February and the choice of a 12:15 kick off makes the potentially difficult problem of getting down the A9 in winter conditions liable to simply compound the above, and will further erode our potential support. We cannot predict weather conditions, but February is the most likely month to see extreme winter weather in the Highlands. First Scotrail and Citylink/ Megabus assure us that there is no provision at this time for public transport that will get Inverness Caledonian Thistle fans to Edinburgh on time for this fixture. Megabus have one coach leaving Inverness at 06:50 on Sundays, but timetables are not available beyond 05.01.14 at present. This effectively forces those fans who have access to private transport onto the A9 as early as 07:00 – the coldest and most potentially icy part of the day. Hearts fans, on the other hand, will face a local bus journey or can simply walk to Easter Road. Can you confirm that safety considerations been considered with regard to this, or have they been simply jettisoned in the face of television and gate revenues? Were transport companies consulted about the availability of transport from Inverness? Have you sought the opinion of the Police Service for Scotland on this? Have you consulted directly with any fans representative groups? Have you sought the opinion of Transport Scotland?

At least, as with last year’s semi-final a 15:00 kick off would have allowed time for our fans to get to Edinburgh. The 12:15 kick off appears to be dictated by the fact that BBC Scotland will also be transmitting the RBS six nations tie between Ireland and Scotland at 15:00. This simply means that, yet again our fans are suffering to expedite BBC Scotland’s ratings for a sport that we neither represent or follow, when we should be showcasing a national football cup semi-final. Again coming back to the Ramsden’s cup solution, a later kick off time and broadcasting on an alternative BBC platform would have lessened this problem. Broadcasting from what will undoubtedly be a half empty Easter Road will do nothing for the image of the game in Scotland. Could you tell us why the SPFL has effectively colluded with the BBC on this to the detriment of football?

It is our intention to fight this obviously iniquitous decision and to change it. We have already begun to canvass support from The Highland Council, Transport Scotland, elected representatives and other Supporters Trusts. We will conduct a campaign through every media channel available to us, and already have newspapers committed to joining our fight on this. You will have noted today’s extensive media coverage on the topic. We will encourage and marshal proper, measured protest against this decision and we will petition. We are confident that we will have the support of every right minded football fan.

In the meantime, I would appreciate an answer to the questions raised above and how your organisation intends to address our opposition as soon as possible, given the time constraints on broadcasting scheduling etc. This e-mail is also being sent to you in hard copy and will be made available for public perusal on our website later today.

I am available to discuss this matter with you at any time, and look forward to your earliest response.

Yours etc.

David Balfour
Chairman, Caley Jags Together
Parent Category: News

JimBHibees
14-11-2013, 10:20 AM
Good letter it is absolutely disgusting how fans are treated in this sport. Shameful to be honest.

Hermit Crab
14-11-2013, 10:28 AM
Good letter it is absolutely disgusting how fans are treated in this sport. Shameful to be honest.

We've suffered at the hands of this with more than our far share of trips to Inverness and county in midweek or during the festive period. Again this year, Boxing Day county away. Another midweek trip to Inverness next year as the semi final for the league cup is the weekend we were meant to be away to Inverness so that's another midweek trip. Complete Bollox.

Scott Allan Key
14-11-2013, 10:28 AM
Surely Pittodrie is the best neutral venue if Inverness have to play in a semi versus a central team? 12pm kick-off is ridiculous anyhow, whoever is playing. Always supporters having to travel from afar for any game who are put out.

worcesterhibby
14-11-2013, 10:34 AM
Can't really argue with that can you. Aberdeen is the obvious "Fair" venue choice. It's 126 miles from Edinburgh and 105 miles from Inverness. Although because of the roads and rail links the journey From Edinburgh is likely to be a bit quicker.

3.00pm kick off In Aberdeen would have been the right Sporting decision.

s.a.m
14-11-2013, 10:39 AM
Good on them. Both the time and venue are ludicrous for this tie.

Phil D. Rolls
14-11-2013, 10:40 AM
Pittodrie would be the best choice. The thought of those poor teuchters having to negotiate big city traffic is surely enough to switch the tie on humanitarian grounds.

I expect they'll object to Hampden as a venue, should they reach the final.

If they can bring a measly 10,000 supporters, then they will have half the capacity of the ground. Saying Easter Road is a home tie for Hearts, really sums up their flask and picnic blanket mentality.

Perish the thought that anyone should have to travel through Fife to a game. They'll be complaining about the price of tea and scones next.

They probably have a point about the venue, but letters like that just make them look silly.

JimBHibees
14-11-2013, 10:40 AM
Can't really argue with that can you. Aberdeen is the obvious "Fair" venue choice. It's 126 miles from Edinburgh and 105 miles from Inverness. Although because of the roads and rail links the journey From Edinburgh is likely to be a bit quicker.

3.00pm kick off In Aberdeen would have been the right Sporting decision.

Or an earlier kick off in Aberdeen. At least that way both fans have to travel. The same game as last season yet Inverness get dropped on from a large height again with Hearts having a tie in their own city, total nonsense.

Robinho08
14-11-2013, 10:42 AM
I would agree with them. The SF should be held at Tanadise or Pittodrie.

Jim44
14-11-2013, 10:48 AM
Everything points in favour of our sordid neighbours. It's ironic also that we have, arguably, weakened their opposition. Hopefully their new manager will be well settled in by then and will have built on the excellent team which our new management team has put together over the past few years in Inverness.

Hermit Crab
14-11-2013, 10:52 AM
Pittodrie would be the best choice. The thought of those poor teuchters having to negotiate big city traffic is surely enough to switch the tie on humanitarian grounds.

I expect they'll object to Hampden as a venue, should they reach the final.

If they can bring a measly 10,000 supporters, then they will have half the capacity of the ground. Saying Easter Road is a home tie for Hearts, really sums up their flask and picnic blanket mentality.

Perish the thought that anyone should have to travel through Fife to a game. They'll be complaining about the price of tea and scones next.

They probably have a point about the venue, but letters like that just make them look silly.

Final won't be at hampden anyway will it. Shut for the games is it not?

jdships
14-11-2013, 11:10 AM
Surely Pittodrie is the best neutral venue if Inverness have to play in a semi versus a central team? 12pm kick-off is ridiculous anyhow, whoever is playing. Always supporters having to travel from afar for any game who are put out.

:thumbsup::agree:

Jones28
14-11-2013, 11:19 AM
Can't argue with any of the points they make really. Pittodrie is 110 miles from Edinburgh and 105 from Inverness, surely that's as close to neutral as you can get?

Golden Bear
14-11-2013, 11:32 AM
An excellent letter and it would be difficult for anyone to disagree with the content.

Common sense should prevail, the venue and kick off time should be changed but I strongly expect that they won't be.

marinello59
14-11-2013, 11:40 AM
Pittodrie would be the best choice. The thought of those poor teuchters having to negotiate big city traffic is surely enough to switch the tie on humanitarian grounds.

I expect they'll object to Hampden as a venue, should they reach the final.

If they can bring a measly 10,000 supporters, then they will have half the capacity of the ground. Saying Easter Road is a home tie for Hearts, really sums up their flask and picnic blanket mentality.

Perish the thought that anyone should have to travel through Fife to a game. They'll be complaining about the price of tea and scones next.

They probably have a point about the venue, but letters like that just make them look silly.

And posts like this makes you look silly.

Jack
14-11-2013, 11:42 AM
Iain Blair opens email and his first thought is "What type of fan is this and how can I unplug it?"

blackpoolhibs
14-11-2013, 11:43 AM
Its a terrible decision to make them play this game at Easter Road, this sport is supposed to be for supporters, and they are doing their utmost to ensure some folk can't make the game.

And they wonder why games are being played in empty stadiums? :rolleyes:

DarlingtonHibee
14-11-2013, 11:46 AM
Pittodrie would be the best choice. The thought of those poor teuchters having to negotiate big city traffic is surely enough to switch the tie on humanitarian grounds.

I expect they'll object to Hampden as a venue, should they reach the final.

If they can bring a measly 10,000 supporters, then they will have half the capacity of the ground. Saying Easter Road is a home tie for Hearts, really sums up their flask and picnic blanket mentality.

Perish the thought that anyone should have to travel through Fife to a game. They'll be complaining about the price of tea and scones next.

They probably have a point about the venue, but letters like that just make them look silly.

Wow - what a poor post - would we want to be travelling at that kick-off time ?

Magnifique
14-11-2013, 11:48 AM
Below is a letter sent to SPFL secretary about the ridiculous kick off time and venue for their semi final v hearts. Very good points in it.



Caley Jags Together have, today, sent the following letter to SPFL Secretary, Iain Blair.

Date : 13th November 2013

FAO : Iain Blair, Secretary, Scottish Professional Football League

Re: Allocated date & venue, Scottish League Cup semi-final Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Heart of Midlothian

Dear Iain

I write on behalf of, and at the instruction of The Board of Caley Jags Together, the Inverness Caledonian Thistle Supporters Society, to register the strongest possible protest at the venue and timing proposed by the SPFL for the semi-final of this competition, and to formally request that urgent consideration is given to altering either the date, kick off time, venue or all three. I know that Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC are also extremely disappointed with this choice and have communicated with you, but for the following reasons we wish to have answers to the questions below for our membership and our wider fan base :
The choice of venue, in Edinburgh, for the second year in a row is tantamount to awarding Hearts home advantage in the tie. Notwithstanding that we consented to a Saturday at 15:00 fixture in the corresponding day last year, It is beyond reasonable interpretation to define a ground as neutral less than ten miles from Hearts ground, in the same city, and over one hundred and fifty miles from the other clubs ground. Neil Doncaster’s recent quote regarding the criteria for neutrality in the Ramsden’s Cup Final at the same venue appears to give credence to this . Why is the position different in Inverness’s case? This choice gives Hearts an unfair competitive advantage in the tie, as it guarantees them a vastly larger support on the day. Why was no consideration given to a venue outside of Edinburgh, namely at either Dundee United or Aberdeen? Both of these venues would have been more suitable and still involved a great deal less effort and risk on the part of Hearts fans to attend than those from Inverness. Both venues would avoid the extra fifty miles through Fife and a congested journey through Edinburgh for our support (Dundee is 116 miles, Aberdeen 108 and Edinburgh 158)

The date of 2nd of February and the choice of a 12:15 kick off makes the potentially difficult problem of getting down the A9 in winter conditions liable to simply compound the above, and will further erode our potential support. We cannot predict weather conditions, but February is the most likely month to see extreme winter weather in the Highlands. First Scotrail and Citylink/ Megabus assure us that there is no provision at this time for public transport that will get Inverness Caledonian Thistle fans to Edinburgh on time for this fixture. Megabus have one coach leaving Inverness at 06:50 on Sundays, but timetables are not available beyond 05.01.14 at present. This effectively forces those fans who have access to private transport onto the A9 as early as 07:00 – the coldest and most potentially icy part of the day. Hearts fans, on the other hand, will face a local bus journey or can simply walk to Easter Road. Can you confirm that safety considerations been considered with regard to this, or have they been simply jettisoned in the face of television and gate revenues? Were transport companies consulted about the availability of transport from Inverness? Have you sought the opinion of the Police Service for Scotland on this? Have you consulted directly with any fans representative groups? Have you sought the opinion of Transport Scotland?

At least, as with last year’s semi-final a 15:00 kick off would have allowed time for our fans to get to Edinburgh. The 12:15 kick off appears to be dictated by the fact that BBC Scotland will also be transmitting the RBS six nations tie between Ireland and Scotland at 15:00. This simply means that, yet again our fans are suffering to expedite BBC Scotland’s ratings for a sport that we neither represent or follow, when we should be showcasing a national football cup semi-final. Again coming back to the Ramsden’s cup solution, a later kick off time and broadcasting on an alternative BBC platform would have lessened this problem. Broadcasting from what will undoubtedly be a half empty Easter Road will do nothing for the image of the game in Scotland. Could you tell us why the SPFL has effectively colluded with the BBC on this to the detriment of football?

It is our intention to fight this obviously iniquitous decision and to change it. We have already begun to canvass support from The Highland Council, Transport Scotland, elected representatives and other Supporters Trusts. We will conduct a campaign through every media channel available to us, and already have newspapers committed to joining our fight on this. You will have noted today’s extensive media coverage on the topic. We will encourage and marshal proper, measured protest against this decision and we will petition. We are confident that we will have the support of every right minded football fan.

In the meantime, I would appreciate an answer to the questions raised above and how your organisation intends to address our opposition as soon as possible, given the time constraints on broadcasting scheduling etc. This e-mail is also being sent to you in hard copy and will be made available for public perusal on our website later today.

I am available to discuss this matter with you at any time, and look forward to your earliest response.

Yours etc.

David Balfour
Chairman, Caley Jags Together
Parent Category: News

Maybe the SPFL will just have to suck it up and send one of their people carriers up to pick them all up :)

Hibs have been the only one who have seriously invested in our ground to bring it up to a certain standard in the last few years so I feel its only right we get our reward for investing into our infrastructure.

And what is safer having 400,000 Yambams heading up to Pittodrie or wherever or half a dozen yokels and a sheepdug coming down to Edinburgh?

Seveno
14-11-2013, 11:56 AM
Though they only have a small support, ICT fans are being treated with contempt and does nothing to promote football in the Highlands.

Just another example of real fans being treated appallingly for the benefit of TV and the armchair followers.

HIBERNIAN-0762
14-11-2013, 12:00 PM
It just reeks of the SPFL pandering these stinking yams again, admittedly ICT don't really have a large support but that shouldn't make any difference, ridiculous time and venue for them but on the other hand more money for us I suppose.

GreenCastle
14-11-2013, 12:06 PM
This isn't about the yams coming to ER, Hibs getting extra money from a one off game or moaning.

This is about another ridiculous decision by those running our game.

It's about treating football fans fairly in this country - yes ER has been redeveloped etc to host games like this but for a semi final it should be at a venue that is around half way in distance for both - unless it is clearly stated in advance the location of venue.

The kick off time is a double blow as seriously with the cost and hassle of getting to the game is it worth it for fan?

I still think the Scottish FA have made a mistake with the Scottish Cup Final being named at Celtic Park already - should have waited to at least see who was contesting it.

Hermit Crab
14-11-2013, 12:09 PM
Maybe the SPFL will just have to suck it up and send one of their people carriers up to pick them all up :)

Hibs have been the only one who have seriously invested in our ground to bring it up to a certain standard in the last few years so I feel its only right we get our reward for investing into our infrastructure.

And what is safer having 400,000 Yambams heading up to Pittodrie or wherever or half a dozen yokels and a sheepdug coming down to Edinburgh?

Complete rubbish, it's nothing to do with hibs investing in their ground it's about treating fans fairly. You've missed the point completely mate. It's about caley being forced to travel 160 miles for a game on a Sunday morning with no transport links to get them there on time, while hearts fans just jump on the number 1 bus.

A neutral venue is supposed to be neutral like meeting in the middle. Pittodrie or tannadice are ideal. Both sets of fans have to travel more or less the same distance to get there. I say almost home advantage to hearts again.

Makaveli
14-11-2013, 12:12 PM
Maybe the SPFL will just have to suck it up and send one of their people carriers up to pick them all up :)

Hibs have been the only one who have seriously invested in our ground to bring it up to a certain standard in the last few years so I feel its only right we get our reward for investing into our infrastructure.

And what is safer having 400,000 Yambams heading up to Pittodrie or wherever or half a dozen yokels and a sheepdug coming down to Edinburgh?

TBH I think that's a reasonable and generally ignored point, even if it was tongue in cheek.

Not nice for ICT fans but how many of them would have went to Pittodrie anyway? Hearts would have a bigger support wherever this game was played.

Carheenlea
14-11-2013, 12:14 PM
Easter Road is now a modern, fit for purpose stadium, and an obvious choice for a neutral semi final venue. We have to face the old firm at Hampden in Glasgow so the argument about "home advantage" doesn't really stack up. Sure, it is a nuisance for ICT fans to travel long distances, but that is a consequence of their location, every away game bar Ross County is a decent trek.
Sadly, it is not just about the fans. The Suits will have top class hospitality for the sponsors and guests in facility's befitting of a semi final or final, unlike the ramshackle Pittodrie or Tannadice.
Plus, I`m sure we will get a wedge for rent, so all in all, a good choice :agree:

WhileTheChief..
14-11-2013, 12:19 PM
Football fans moaning about nothing again. Its only an extra 20 mins drive to get to Edinburgh in comparison to Aberdeen.

More cash for us and presumably ICT will happily take the TV money from the BBC. Perhaps the fans should start by complaining to their own chairman.

Besides, after all the crap they have spouted about us over the last week or 2 they can go do one.

worcesterhibby
14-11-2013, 12:21 PM
As this is a cup game, do the SPFL have to pay for all the damage that the Maroon Morons will do to the Stadium/ Toilets again ? If hearts are the ones who will have to pay..I hope we demand a very sizeable deposit.

Gatecrasher
14-11-2013, 12:26 PM
Football fans moaning about nothing again. Its only an extra 20 mins drive to get to Edinburgh in comparison to Aberdeen.

More cash for us and presumably ICT will happily take the TV money from the BBC. Perhaps the fans should start by complaining to their own chairman.

Besides, after all the crap they have spouted about us over the last week or 2 they can go do one.

It's not about the distance they have to travel though. Its about the distance in comparison to Hearts who are based about 15 minutes away. The KO time being moved also ensures no public transport can guarentee them being at the stadium in time for Kick Off. Sure ER is a better Stadium than Pittodrie but if a Scotland International game can be held there so can a league cup semi Final. It's about being fair to those who actually bother their arse to support their club for once.

I for one think it's a belter of a letter and hope the letter is responded to with a reasoned arguement rather than fobbing them off.

Carheenlea
14-11-2013, 12:26 PM
Football fans moaning about nothing again. Its only an extra 20 mins drive to get to Edinburgh in comparison to Aberdeen.

More cash for us and presumably ICT will happily take the TV money from the BBC. Perhaps the fans should start by complaining to their own chairman.

Besides, after all the crap they have spouted about us over the last week or 2 they can go do one.

:agree:

Golden Bear
14-11-2013, 12:29 PM
Football fans moaning about nothing again. Its only an extra 20 mins drive to get to Edinburgh in comparison to Aberdeen.

More cash for us and presumably ICT will happily take the TV money from the BBC. Perhaps the fans should start by complaining to their own chairman.

Besides, after all the crap they have spouted about us over the last week or 2 they can go do one.

Aye that's the game.

We're all right Jack so to hell with anyone else.

:rolleyes:

lapsedhibee
14-11-2013, 12:29 PM
I still think the Scottish FA have made a mistake with the Scottish Cup Final being named at Celtic Park already - should have waited to at least see who was contesting it.

Wrong yes, but not a mistake. There's such a good chance that Celtc will be in the final while The Rangers are in their dilapidated state, Celtc Park's the logical choice.

Phil D. Rolls
14-11-2013, 12:31 PM
And posts like this makes you look silly.

I aim to please. I agree though, it was meant to be slightly tongue in cheek.

It's a bit ironic though, that Hibs don't even get the benefits of investing in the stadium whilst other teams spent their money on players. Beginning to look like we went down the wrong road.

Magnifique
14-11-2013, 12:32 PM
Complete rubbish, it's nothing to do with hibs investing in their ground it's about treating fans fairly. You've missed the point completely mate. It's about caley being forced to travel 160 miles for a game on a Sunday morning with no transport links to get them there on time, while hearts fans just jump on the number 1 bus.

A neutral venue is supposed to be neutral like meeting in the middle. Pittodrie or tannadice are ideal. Both sets of fans have to travel more or less the same distance to get there. I say almost home advantage to hearts again.

I don't think I have missed the point mate. It is a bit tough on Caley Thistle I agree but the decision has been taken on what the best stadium available is from a quality and capacity point of view. They obviously want to showcase the game in the best stadium available to them and that unfortunately for Caley is Easter Road.

The transport situation is a red herring. They can hire supporters busses (sp) just like anybody else.


Easter Road is now a modern, fit for purpose stadium, and an obvious choice for a neutral semi final venue. We have to face the old firm at Hampden in Glasgow so the argument about "home advantage" doesn't really stack up. Sure, it is a nuisance for ICT fans to travel long distances, but that is a consequence of their location, every away game bar Ross County is a decent trek.
Sadly, it is not just about the fans. The Suits will have top class hospitality for the sponsors and guests in facility's befitting of a semi final or final, unlike the ramshackle Pittodrie or Tannadice.
Plus, I`m sure we will get a wedge for rent, so all in all, a good choice :agree:

Agree:agree:

Geo_1875
14-11-2013, 12:37 PM
Surely the easy solution is to say the game is being played at 3:00 pm and BBC can drop the Eastemders omnibus to cover it.

And to all who are saying ICT should suck it up because we've had to travel at stupid o'clock to games. That doesn't mean it's right.

Anyway, why are diddy cup semis at the weekend? Play them midweek like they used to and leave Saturday's for league games.

Pretty Boy
14-11-2013, 12:41 PM
It's not about the distance they have to travel though. Its about the distance in comparison to Hearts who are based about 15 minutes away. The KO time being moved also ensures no public transport can guarentee them being at the stadium in time for Kick Off. Sure ER is a better Stadium than Pittodrie but if a Scotland International game can be held there so can a league cup semi Final. It's about being fair to those who actually bother their arse to support their club for once.

I for one think it's a belter of a letter and hope the letter is responded to with a reasoned arguement rather than fobbing them off.

This.

It's about time those of us who actually bother our arse going to games started making our voices heard. Football is increasingly, if not already completely, geared only for the armchair fan.

Scheduling a game at a time when no public transport can get fans to the game is crazy and ICT have every right to be pissed off.

God Petrie
14-11-2013, 12:51 PM
It's depressing that fans who attend games appear to be a secondary consideration.

theonlywayisup
14-11-2013, 12:52 PM
The ironic thing about this that only a few weeks ago ICT, to help Hertz in their financial predictament, returned some of the attendance money to Hertz.

Roll on a few weeks and what do we hear from the Hertz FC............:tumble:................nothing!

You would have thought that they would have come out and said "this is wrong"! No, all clubs speak out when they are wronged, but never when they gain from these wrong decisions. Football is morally corrupt.

Hermit Crab
14-11-2013, 12:52 PM
I don't think I have missed the point mate. It is a bit tough on Caley Thistle I agree but the decision has been taken on what the best stadium available is from a quality and capacity point of view. They obviously want to showcase the game in the best stadium available to them and that unfortunately for Caley is Easter Road.

The transport situation is a red herring. They can hire supporters busses (sp) just like anybody else.

They shouldn't have to though. The game should be played at a time and venue that gives supporters of both teams maximum opportunity to attend the game. Not one set of supporters that get a 20 minute bus journey and the other 4 hour hike.

number9dream
14-11-2013, 12:53 PM
Surely the easy solution is to say the game is being played at 3:00 pm and BBC can drop the Eastemders omnibus to cover it.

And to all who are saying ICT should suck it up because we've had to travel at stupid o'clock to games. That doesn't mean it's right.

Anyway, why are diddy cup semis at the weekend? Play them midweek like they used to and leave Saturday's for league games.

Beeb showing Scotland v Ireland rugby that afternoon so has to be an early kick off...

Hermit Crab
14-11-2013, 12:55 PM
Beeb showing Scotland v Ireland rugby that afternoon so has to be an early kick off...

Move the rugby then. A 6 pm kick off is good enough for them on the 23rd

Geo_1875
14-11-2013, 01:07 PM
Beeb showing Scotland v Ireland rugby that afternoon so has to be an early kick off...

BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, BBC4, BBC ALBA, CBEEBIES.....

Surely they can shuffle their schedules.

Phil D. Rolls
14-11-2013, 01:10 PM
Its a terrible decision to make them play this game at Easter Road, this sport is supposed to be for supporters, and they are doing their utmost to ensure some folk can't make the game.

And they wonder why games are being played in empty stadiums? :rolleyes:

I think in American sports, tickets prices are kept low so that broadcasters have a stadium full of fans to generate atmosphere.

I'm surprised that the same doesn't apply here. A neutral tuning into a game is less likely to e interested if there's loads of empty seats.

NadeAteMyLunch!
14-11-2013, 01:11 PM
Ridiculous decision yet again. That game should be at Pittodrie-which is completely neutral-and the Aberdeen v St Johnstone tie should have been at Easter Rd. Why the hell is Tynescastle-complete with a death trap of a main stand-being used anyway?!? The whole thing is an absolute joke, though I'm not surprised. Folk saying they should just get on with it coz we've had to are missing the point! They shouldn't have to 'get on with it' just like we shouldn't have to 'get on with it'. Supporters are treated with utter contempt in this country

CB_NO3
14-11-2013, 01:13 PM
Nothing wrong with the venue. It makes perfect sense to play it at Easter Road and thats not looking at it from a Hibs view. Would they moan about home advantage if they were playing Celtic at Hampden? Doubt it. What is a complete and utter farce though is the KO time. The game should be played at 2pm at the earliest.

carnoustiehibee
14-11-2013, 01:16 PM
Have Inverness came out with any statement ?

CB_NO3
14-11-2013, 01:17 PM
Have Inverness came out with any statement ?
No, just the supporters club.

Magnifique
14-11-2013, 01:22 PM
They shouldn't have to though. The game should be played at a time and venue that gives supporters of both teams maximum opportunity to attend the game. Not one set of supporters that get a 20 minute bus journey and the other 4 hour hike.


Cant disagree with you mate.....BUT neutrality is not (and your right it should) the main driving factor in this decision.

I have just had a look and Caleys average home attendance is a shade over 4k.

Scenario 1 the fair scenario you play it at Pittodrie at a push 2k travel from Caley and maybe 4k from the Savilles whats that gonna look like on the telly? At a time were every penny counts for Scottish Football that's not a good financial decision albeit it is the fairest option.

Move it to Tannadice. There may be slightly more in attendance maybe 7-8k not great either for reasons above.

Keep it at Easter Rd I don't know maybe 10k Savilles and maybe 1500 Caley in the best stadium of the lot then the reasoning becomes a bit clearer in my mind anyway. No matter where it is played the Caley fans are going to be outnumbered.

I agree with your sentiments but just looking at the cold reality of it all.

Saorsa
14-11-2013, 01:22 PM
No the least bit surprised tae see fans that actually still bother going tae games being treated like ****. An absolute joke from the fitba authorities and TV companies but absolutely nae surprise. Perhaps they'll be happy when naebody bothers going tae some games at all.

carnoustiehibee
14-11-2013, 01:33 PM
No, just the supporters club.

Surely nothing can be done then until the club put in a complaint.

Changing the time to 3pm would probably be the best bet

Moulin Yarns
14-11-2013, 01:42 PM
BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, BBC4, BBC ALBA, CBEEBIES.....

Surely they can shuffle their schedules.


CBEEBIES to cater for the Hearts fans :wink:


I think in American sports, tickets prices are kept low so that broadcasters have a stadium full of fans to generate atmosphere.

I'm surprised that the same doesn't apply here. A neutral tuning into a game is less likely to e interested if there's loads of empty seats.

Is that why the cheepest seat for the Ice Hockey at Madison Square Gardens was over £100 when I wanted to go a couple of years ago?

Phil D. Rolls
14-11-2013, 01:46 PM
Is that why the cheepest seat for the Ice Hockey at Madison Square Gardens was over £100 when I wanted to go a couple of years ago?

Obviously, I'm misinformed, sorry. Maybe just an urban myth I've bought into.

Onceinawhile
14-11-2013, 01:48 PM
The venue guarantees a bigger hearts support? Is it really the venue doing that? Or would ict still struggle to get 5,000 if it was at the caley stadium? Would wager hearts would take more to Inverness for a 12:45 kick off semi final than Inverness would.

Moulin Yarns
14-11-2013, 01:55 PM
Obviously, I'm misinformed, sorry. Maybe just an urban myth I've bought into.

I think you are probably right, but most folk buy season books and what is left is at a premium, not only that but it was the local derby, New York Rangers v New Jersey Devils. The Basketball was a lot less to get in.

Jones28
14-11-2013, 02:00 PM
Even if the ICT fans boycott the game in protest would tey still get a share of the gate money?

Does it get split or does it all go to the spfl?

Phil D. Rolls
14-11-2013, 02:03 PM
I think you are probably right, but most folk buy season books and what is left is at a premium, not only that but it was the local derby, New York Rangers v New Jersey Devils. The Basketball was a lot less to get in.

Must say I was surprised that tickets for Vancouver Whitecaps v Portland Timbers were $40 dollars. Turns out it was because I was at a ticket agency. Walk up prices were about $25, still quite a lot by our standards (play was about D1 level), but relatively cheap in Canada.

Part/Time Supporter
14-11-2013, 02:03 PM
It just reeks of the SPFL pandering these stinking yams again, admittedly ICT don't really have a large support but that shouldn't make any difference, ridiculous time and venue for them but on the other hand more money for us I suppose.

Not really. If Hibs had beaten Hearts in the q/final, it's almost certain that Hibs v Inverness would have been played at the PBS. As has been the case for just about every other Hibs semi played outside Glasgow for the last 25 years (ie since the capacities of Tannadice and Dens were reduced below 15,000).

Where Inverness have a legitimate beef is with the daft kick off time / date, making it physically impossible to get there by public transport. One of the paper reports I read suggested that the supply of buses is fairly limited as well.

Onceinawhile
14-11-2013, 02:04 PM
Even if the ICT fans boycott the game in protest would tey still get a share of the gate money?

Does it get split or does it all go to the spfl?

This happened last year dundee utd vs the newco. It was still split even though newco took no tickets. The reason given was 'we canny be bothered changing the rules' and a mention it had to be done at an agm. I don't think anything was done at the agm. So to confirm, it would still be split.

Onceinawhile
14-11-2013, 02:06 PM
Actually, think that might have been over setting prices.

green.and.white
14-11-2013, 02:12 PM
I still think the Scottish FA have made a mistake with the Scottish Cup Final being named at Celtic Park already - should have waited to at least see who was contesting it.


The Scottish Cup final venue was announced because the member clubs (so us included) agreed to sort out the venue now and announce it early, it wasn't just Neil Doncaster being a prat again so we can't really complain.


Surely the easy solution is to say the game is being played at 3:00 pm and BBC can drop the Eastemders omnibus to cover it.

And to all who are saying ICT should suck it up because we've had to travel at stupid o'clock to games. That doesn't mean it's right.

Anyway, why are diddy cup semis at the weekend? Play them midweek like they used to and leave Saturday's for league games.

Diddy cup? How yammish, leave that sort of chat to them. I'd love to win the league cup again, are you devaluing our day at Hampden in 07?

It's a joke that ICT forced to come here so early, fans put last in back of the minds yet again.

dangermouse
14-11-2013, 02:24 PM
Football fans moaning about nothing again. Its only an extra 20 mins drive to get to Edinburgh in comparison to Aberdeen.

More cash for us and presumably ICT will happily take the TV money from the BBC. Perhaps the fans should start by complaining to their own chairman.

Besides, after all the crap they have spouted about us over the last week or 2 they can go do one.

Does your car run on rocket fuel? Aberdeen to Edinburgh in 20 minutes! Takes me 20 minutes to get from my house to the Forth Road Bridge and I live in the West of Edinburgh.

Sean1875
14-11-2013, 02:24 PM
Obviously, I'm misinformed, sorry. Maybe just an urban myth I've bought into.

In fairness thats the way they do it in Germany and look at the atmosphere there :agree:

Geo_1875
14-11-2013, 02:24 PM
Diddy cup? How yammish, leave that sort of chat to them. I'd love to win the league cup again, are you devaluing our day at Hampden in 07?


Sorry if I offended you with my yammish ways.

I meant to say the Bells, Skol, Coca-Cola, CIS, Cooperative, Communities or whoever it is or isn't named after now, cup semi-finals were always played mid-week and were great nights out. Playing them on a weekend at random venues and stupid kick-off times just to "maximise" television revenue is a joke. Why interfere with regular league games, and make us travel to Inverness midweek for a rearranged game into the bargain. Inverness will lose out on a few grand with the reduced crowd.

Treadstone
14-11-2013, 02:25 PM
Not really. If Hibs had beaten Hearts in the q/final, it's almost certain that Hibs v Inverness would have been played at the PBS. As has been the case for just about every other Hibs semi played outside Glasgow for the last 25 years (ie since the capacities of Tannadice and Dens were reduced below 15,000).



Have we played any semis outside Glasgow in the last 25yrs that haven't been at Tynecastle ?

Haymaker
14-11-2013, 02:29 PM
I think in American sports, tickets prices are kept low so that broadcasters have a stadium full of fans to generate atmosphere.

I'm surprised that the same doesn't apply here. A neutral tuning into a game is less likely to e interested if there's loads of empty seats.

Not true. NFL games can be "blacked out" in the local area if the game is not sold out however ticket prices will vary MASSIVELY depending on the game. For example when I lived there I got Boston Celtics tickets v Utah Jazz in the NBA for around $17 plus booking, if I wanted to go two days later to see them play Miami Heat the cheapest seats were nearly $100 when booking was added on.

Same for The Patriots, tickets v some teams will be acceptable at around $40 but against their rivals or current form teams they will be considerably higher.

Phil D. Rolls
14-11-2013, 02:32 PM
Not true. NFL games can be "blacked out" in the local area if the game is not sold out however ticket prices will vary MASSIVELY depending on the game. For example when I lived there I got Boston Celtics tickets v Utah Jazz in the NBA for around $17 plus booking, if I wanted to go two days later to see them play Miami Heat the cheapest seats were nearly $100 when booking was added on.

Same for The Patriots, tickets v some teams will be acceptable at around $40 but against their rivals or current form teams they will be considerably higher.

Fair enough, thanks for the information.:aok:

Part/Time Supporter
14-11-2013, 02:33 PM
Have we played any semis outside Glasgow in the last 25yrs that haven't been at Tynecastle ?

I don't think so. Hearts played a semi against St Mirren at Motherwell a few years ago (lost 1-0), but that's about the only recent example I can think of either Edinburgh team playing in a semi-final outside Glasgow or the other Edinburgh ground. I think St Mirren whinged a bit about ER being effectively a home game for Hearts and the LC semis were still played in midweek then.

Haymaker
14-11-2013, 02:34 PM
Fair enough, thanks for the information.:aok:

No worries, it is a funny system but it seems to work well over there. Cheapest Super Bowl tickets are $3000 a piece. :cb

green.and.white
14-11-2013, 02:34 PM
Sorry if I offended you with my yammish ways.

I meant to say the Bells, Skol, Coca-Cola, CIS, Cooperative, Communities or whoever it is or isn't named after now, cup semi-finals were always played mid-week and were great nights out. Playing them on a weekend at random venues and stupid kick-off times just to "maximise" television revenue is a joke. Why interfere with regular league games, and make us travel to Inverness midweek for a rearranged game into the bargain. Inverness will lose out on a few grand with the reduced crowd.

Offended :rolleyes: I don't disagree on the ridiculous change of times and days of the games. The semis should be a midweek like every other round with the final on a Saturday/Sunday.

Treadstone
14-11-2013, 02:43 PM
I don't think so. Hearts played a semi against St Mirren at Motherwell a few years ago (lost 1-0), but that's about the only recent example I can think of either Edinburgh team playing in a semi-final outside Glasgow or the other Edinburgh ground. I think St Mirren whinged a bit about ER being effectively a home game for Hearts and the LC semis were still played in midweek then.

Didn't think so. Dens in '86 probably the last one i can recall. Also don't see why if we got to a semi against a non ugly sister that ER shouldn't be considered.

WhileTheChief..
14-11-2013, 02:59 PM
Does your car run on rocket fuel? Aberdeen to Edinburgh in 20 minutes! Takes me 20 minutes to get from my house to the Forth Road Bridge and I live in the West of Edinburgh.


Inverness to Aberdeen 2 hrs 40 or Inverness - Edinburgh 3hrs

No rocket fuel req'd!!!

I just have an irrational dislike for the highland clubs so no sympathy from me!

Bristolhibby
14-11-2013, 03:14 PM
Some observations.

TBH this game was always played at Hampden if the infirm were involved. (Precedence for non neutrality).

We played St. Johnstone at Tynie, why not play the game at Tannidichie?

Hearts played Motherwell at ER, why not Perth?

Are the authorities not going for venues where the most fans can attend (therefore more cash)? To hang weather it's neutral or not.

Can't see anything changing.

The 12:15 KO is a nightmare though. This should be at 15:00. However ICT busses will not have to struggle up the A9 in the dark with a 12:15 KO, swings and roundabouts and all that.

J

LeithBoozy
14-11-2013, 03:16 PM
Does your car run on rocket fuel? Aberdeen to Edinburgh in 20 minutes! Takes me 20 minutes to get from my house to the Forth Road Bridge and I live in the West of Edinburgh.

I was thinking that myself, are they coming down in the Bat-mobile. Daft venues and times are not a new thing, I remember going to a cup replay many moons ago between Aberdeen & Dundee Utd. It was played on a Tuesday night at Dens park, how did the Dons agree to that one? 3-0 for Utd, ground was packed.

GordonHFC
14-11-2013, 03:25 PM
Have we played any semis outside Glasgow in the last 25yrs that haven't been at Tynecastle ?

Last one I remember was when we played Aberdeen at Dens Park (mid to late 80s I think).

marinello59
14-11-2013, 03:27 PM
This.

It's about time those of us who actually bother our arse going to games started making our voices heard. Football is increasingly, if not already completely, geared only for the armchair fan.

Scheduling a game at a time when no public transport can get fans to the game is crazy and ICT have every right to be pissed off.

Couldn't agree more.

Part/Time Supporter
14-11-2013, 03:27 PM
Have Inverness came out with any statement ?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24923200

Club said they argued for other venues and times but now the decision is made they have to accept it.

green&left
14-11-2013, 03:52 PM
Its a 3 and a half journey FFS. We've all had away games where public transport isnt available, pain in the arse granted but a quick change in plans is hardly impossible.

What happens when you sell your soul to the devil (or TV companies in this case). KO times have been getting f****d about for years and will continue to get moved about. Instead of whinging take it on the chin and deal with it.

Scouse Hibee
14-11-2013, 04:20 PM
Football fans who actually attend the games are once again the last consideration at the planning stages. It will never happen but a national day of a complete boycott of every game would let our voice be heard.


Its a 3 and a half journey FFS. We've all had away games where public transport isnt available, pain in the arse granted but a quick change in plans is hardly impossible.

What happens when you sell your soul to the devil (or TV companies in this case). KO times have been getting f****d about for years and will continue to get moved about. Instead of whinging take it on the chin and deal with it.

The fans weren't the ones selling their souls though!

monktonharp
14-11-2013, 04:58 PM
Though they only have a small support, ICT fans are being treated with contempt and does nothing to promote football in the Highlands.

Just another example of real fans being treated appallingly for the benefit of TV and the armchair followers.:agree:added to the fact that it is almost a home tie for that lot from gorgie. disgusting


Its a 3 and a half journey FFS. We've all had away games where public transport isnt available, pain in the arse granted but a quick change in plans is hardly impossible.

What happens when you sell your soul to the devil (or TV companies in this case). KO times have been getting f****d about for years and will continue to get moved about. Instead of whinging take it on the chin and deal with it. I take it you did not really read the whole letter from the ict supporters then? 7am in the coldest period of the year travelling down the A9, what temperatures do you think they'll have at Drumnadrochit summit then? will it be open or just passable? you driven that road , have you? they've raised a dozen points, and their concerns which seriously need looked at. the game should be played at the nearest midway point if possible, and it is possible.




I just have an irrational dislike for the highland clubs so no sympathy from me!

your argument is therefore null and void.

PatHead
14-11-2013, 05:01 PM
Whilst I have some sympathy re the Kick off time I don't think Aberdeen is a suitable venue as instead of having 4-5000 of supporters travelling at the worst time of the year it would be 15,000 on the road. The safety argument re travelling doesn't add up.

Just_Jimmy
14-11-2013, 05:06 PM
Obviously, I'm misinformed, sorry. Maybe just an urban myth I've bought into.

not at all.

The US Sports teams are franchises, the owners set ticket prices and like anything else it is supply and demand. The Rangers, Knicks and Giants (and Jets) all charge £100+ for tickets for games and never struggle to sell out. Hardly comparable to Cleveland or Oakland where teams have been awful for years and it's not NY/Jersey.

The only thing worth noting is that the NFL have a blackout policy. That is, if the game doesn't sell out it is take off air in the local area. This basically says get along to games.

Just_Jimmy
14-11-2013, 05:08 PM
Not true. NFL games can be "blacked out" in the local area if the game is not sold out however ticket prices will vary MASSIVELY depending on the game. For example when I lived there I got Boston Celtics tickets v Utah Jazz in the NBA for around $17 plus booking, if I wanted to go two days later to see them play Miami Heat the cheapest seats were nearly $100 when booking was added on.

Same for The Patriots, tickets v some teams will be acceptable at around $40 but against their rivals or current form teams they will be considerably higher.


Should have read the rest of the thread. :greengrin

Celtics and Pats? Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo :greengrin

Spike Mandela
14-11-2013, 05:13 PM
To me this is all about the SPFL trying to maximise income for 'poor old administration hit Hearts'. Make their tie at ER to maximise their supporters, get the tv for their game and then put the other semi at Tynie so they get money there as well.

For me the obvious choices are Pittodrie for the Heats v ICT game and either Tannadice or Easter Road for the other game with Tannadice being the most convenient but ER to maximise the potential attendance for this game due to bigger capacity.

Keith_M
14-11-2013, 05:22 PM
I get their point but you really could apply their criteria to any game against the OF at Hampden.

Its less than five miles from both of the ugly sisters but has been the 'neutral venue' for games against them for 100 years.

Iggy Pope
14-11-2013, 05:29 PM
Inverness to Aberdeen 2 hrs 40 or Inverness - Edinburgh 3hrs

No rocket fuel req'd!!!

I just have an irrational dislike for the highland clubs so no sympathy from me!

Agreed. But my dislike is far more rational. They should get back to the Highland league they came from and shut the **** up.
Then we could go back to playing them on friendly tours as we did when we were a bit half decent. In the summer rather than risking our necks on a death trap of a road with avalanche warnings in the middle of ****ing Northern nowhere.

Treadstone
14-11-2013, 05:37 PM
Agreed. But my dislike is far more rational. They should get back to the Highland league they came from and shut the **** up.
Then we could go back to playing them on friendly tours as we did when we were a bit half decent. In the summer rather than risking our necks on a death trap of a road with avalanche warnings in the middle of ****ing Northern nowhere.... while getting horsed.

Iggy Pope
14-11-2013, 05:43 PM
... while getting horsed.

Aye.....shottie.......:zzzzz!:

jacomo
14-11-2013, 05:59 PM
Agreed. But my dislike is far more rational. They should get back to the Highland league they came from and shut the **** up.
Then we could go back to playing them on friendly tours as we did when we were a bit half decent. In the summer rather than risking our necks on a death trap of a road with avalanche warnings in the middle of ****ing Northern nowhere.

Charming.

I don't have an issue with ICT, not even the fact they are the result of a merger between two other clubs. Who cares? They have progressed through the Leagues and on current form are better than us. My focus is on Hibs and how we start to realise our potential after years of falling short.

NAE NOOKIE
14-11-2013, 06:36 PM
Well done the ICT fans. Playing this game at ER with a lunchtime kick off is just taking the piss out of the fans as usual and does nothing to change the justified opinion of match attending fans that we are last on the list when it comes to consideration by the idots who run our game.

I myself wouldnt be bothered that the venue is in the same city as one of the clubs ... as folk have said we have to play all of our semis in Glasgow when its the OF. But thats because there isnt anywhere elso to play it with a big enough capacity.

But ... when there is a suitable venue almost half way between the two towns it is utterly unfair to make one set travel 150 miles and the other no distance at all. To then make the KO time 12:30 is compounding a stupidity.

Aye ... Hibs will make money out of this, but to benefit from fellow football fans getting shafted once again is no cause for celebration as far as I'm concerned.

Oh and some of the stuff being said about the highland teams on this thread makes us look like Yams :bitchy:

hibsbollah
14-11-2013, 06:40 PM
Great letter. And some really stupid comments on this thread.

Love the Green
14-11-2013, 07:20 PM
It just reeks of the SPFL pandering these stinking yams again, admittedly ICT don't really have a large support but that shouldn't make any difference, ridiculous time and venue for them but on the other hand more money for us I suppose.

Add to that the fact they are staging the other semi at their HOVEL of a ground giving them more cash handouts to help them survive...makes you sick all this pandering to them. "keep the faith"

HUTCHYHIBBY
14-11-2013, 07:24 PM
And posts like this makes you look silly.

Didnae think you would land such a big fish FR! :-)

Haymaker
14-11-2013, 07:24 PM
Should have read the rest of the thread. :greengrin

Celtics and Pats? Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo :greengrin

:greengrin best in the land.

Phil D. Rolls
14-11-2013, 07:34 PM
Didnae think you would land such a big fish FR! :-)

Shakespeare and monkeys, after 19,000 posts something had to give. The quality of mercy is not stranned.

Andy74
14-11-2013, 09:43 PM
As has been mentioned Glasgow clubs play at Hampden all the time so the home city argument is daft.

Aberdeen would be a bit silly overall. Moving over 10,000 people maybe across large distances as opposed to a few hundred.

Inverness is a wee bit out the way. That's the way it goes. Travel times still nothing compared to England for example.

Seems this fuss is only made because its Edinburgh.

monktonharp
14-11-2013, 10:01 PM
Agreed. But my dislike is far more rational. They should get back to the Highland league they came from and shut the **** up.
Then we could go back to playing them on friendly tours as we did when we were a bit half decent. In the summer rather than risking our necks on a death trap of a road with avalanche warnings in the middle of ****ing Northern nowhere.why cant you move to middle England suburbia or a nice wee devon cottage, or something like that. what a f/kin attitude !

monktonharp
14-11-2013, 10:04 PM
Well done the ICT fans. Playing this game at ER with a lunchtime kick off is just taking the piss out of the fans as usual and does nothing to change the justified opinion of match attending fans that we are last on the list when it comes to consideration by the idots who run our game.

I myself wouldnt be bothered that the venue is in the same city as one of the clubs ... as folk have said we have to play all of our semis in Glasgow when its the OF. But thats because there isnt anywhere elso to play it with a big enough capacity.

But ... when there is a suitable venue almost half way between the two towns it is utterly unfair to make one set travel 150 miles and the other no distance at all. To then make the KO time 12:30 is compounding a stupidity.

Aye ... Hibs will make money out of this, but to benefit from fellow football fans getting shafted once again is no cause for celebration as far as I'm concerned.

Oh and some of the stuff being said about the highland teams on this thread makes us look like Yams :bitchy::agree: in a nutshell

green&left
14-11-2013, 10:08 PM
:agree:added to the fact that it is almost a home tie for that lot from gorgie. disgusting

I take it you did not really read the whole letter from the ict supporters then? 7am in the coldest period of the year travelling down the A9, what temperatures do you think they'll have at Drumnadrochit summit then? will it be open or just passable? you driven that road , have you? they've raised a dozen points, and their concerns which seriously need looked at. the game should be played at the nearest midway point if possible, and it is possible.



your argument is therefore null and void.

I have aye. Incidentally last Feb, upto Thurso, and bar a getting 3 points for speeding there wasn't a problem at all on the roads.

Notice there hasn't been this much symphony for Rangers and Celtic fans when they've constantly been bumped at 12pm kick-offs all over the place in different weather conditions, likewise us Hearts & Aberdeen etc.

What would happen if it was 5 years ago and ICT met Celtic, at Hampden and on a Wednesday? Would it be a shambles cos the crowd would be 95% Celtic, and a disgrace because Caley fans would be hitting the Cairngorns at half 11 in the evening on the way home when the temperature has plummeted?

Incidentally I believe we had Caley away the weekend they are now participating in the League Cup, meaning now that will be a midweek game maybe a few days after? I want free buses, a venue change and a strongly worded letter from the HSA :D

Is the A96 any worse/better than the A9? Likewise the A90? Making both sets of fans travel to a complete ****hole is daft. If Aberdeen had an Easter Road/Rugby Park-esque ground then aye that would fair, but to a dump like Pitodrie when Easter Road is available just an extra half hours drive away, mental.

Paisley Hibby
14-11-2013, 10:24 PM
Great letter. And some really stupid comments on this thread.

Well said.

CB_NO3
15-11-2013, 12:36 AM
If any club should moan about getting bumped with KO times and days moved etc its us. We played on 7 different days last season, yes 7 different days. I also remember about 2 seasons ago for a game in Inverness we got a game moved for TV, we booked our trains and so on, then they moved the KO time again. Anyone remember that? Plus the A9 aint that bad. We have been up there plenty times over the festive/wintery period and I have never had any problems. Am doing it for the cup game in Dingwall and the Boxing day game in Dingwall. Infact I remember staying in Nethy Bridge one May about 10 year ago and they closed parts of the A9 due to heavy snow fall. Its a hit or a miss but thats what happens when you stay miles away from civilisation haha.

blackpoolhibs
15-11-2013, 11:40 AM
If any club should moan about getting bumped with KO times and days moved etc its us. We played on 7 different days last season, yes 7 different days. I also remember about 2 seasons ago for a game in Inverness we got a game moved for TV, we booked our trains and so on, then they moved the KO time again. Anyone remember that? Plus the A9 aint that bad. We have been up there plenty times over the festive/wintery period and I have never had any problems. Am doing it for the cup game in Dingwall and the Boxing day game in Dingwall. Infact I remember staying in Nethy Bridge one May about 10 year ago and they closed parts of the A9 due to heavy snow fall. Its a hit or a miss but thats what happens when you stay miles away from civilisation haha.

Two wrongs do not make a right?

This is a national cup semi final, and the authorities are making it nigh on impossible for some folk to get to the game.

How is this right in any sort of way?

Supporters are the lifeblood of the game, yet they are the last people considered here.

Leithenhibby
15-11-2013, 11:58 AM
Two wrongs do not make a right?

This is a national cup semi final, and the authorities are making it nigh on impossible for some folk to get to the game.

How is this right in any sort of way?

Supporters are the lifeblood of the game, yet they are the last people considered here.

:agree:

If this were my team I'd be fuming. It is a big game and to favour one side (them) is just down right wrong.

They, wonder why we are drifting away! :rolleyes:


https://www.facebook.com/tiptotoe2014

CB_NO3
15-11-2013, 12:24 PM
We live in a small country. People are never happy. Try living in Italy when you potentially have to travel a 1200 mile round trip for a semi final. In Spain they have been playing games at 11 in the morning for Chinese TV, teams have to travel again 600 mile round trips. Teams in the north of England have to travel to Wembley for early kick off's.

IMO both semi finals should be played at Easter Road. If I was St Johnstone or Aberdeen I would be complaining about playing a national cup semi final at Tynie. You ever been in their changing rooms? Horrible things with 2 showers per team. Outside Glasgow, Easter Road has the best facilities in Scotland. The changing rooms, hospitality, the stadium itself is second to none.

As folk have already said ICT would not complain if they were playing one of the Old Firm at Hampden in a semi final. The only issue here is the KO time is not ideal but if all clubs want to sell their soul to the devil (tv companies) then we should just shut up or put up.

Phil D. Rolls
15-11-2013, 12:28 PM
As folk have already said ICT would not complain if they were playing one of the Old Firm at Hampden in a semi final.

They don't have to drive through Fife to get there.

tamig
15-11-2013, 01:44 PM
Pittodrie would be the best choice. The thought of those poor teuchters having to negotiate big city traffic is surely enough to switch the tie on humanitarian grounds.

I expect they'll object to Hampden as a venue, should they reach the final.

If they can bring a measly 10,000 supporters, then they will have half the capacity of the ground. Saying Easter Road is a home tie for Hearts, really sums up their flask and picnic blanket mentality.

Perish the thought that anyone should have to travel through Fife to a game. They'll be complaining about the price of tea and scones next.

They probably have a point about the venue, but letters like that just make them look silly.

What patronising pish :rolleyes:

Phil D. Rolls
15-11-2013, 01:45 PM
What patronising pish :rolleyes:

Yes, apologies again, poor attempt at irony.

tamig
15-11-2013, 01:48 PM
Yes, apologies again, poor attempt at irony.

Wasn't sure if it was meant to be tongue in cheek or not - but the odd smillie may have confirmed.

It's a poor decision from the SPFL imo.

Moulin Yarns
15-11-2013, 01:56 PM
If any club should moan about getting bumped with KO times and days moved etc its us. We played on 7 different days last season, yes 7 different days. I also remember about 2 seasons ago for a game in Inverness we got a game moved for TV, we booked our trains and so on, then they moved the KO time again. Anyone remember that? Plus the A9 aint that bad. We have been up there plenty times over the festive/wintery period and I have never had any problems. Am doing it for the cup game in Dingwall and the Boxing day game in Dingwall. Infact I remember staying in Nethy Bridge one May about 10 year ago and they closed parts of the A9 due to heavy snow fall. Its a hit or a miss but thats what happens when you stay miles away from civilisation haha.


If my memory serves me correctly, I think, in the league, we played on 36 different days, but I could just be imagining it :wink: I would also guess, but I can't be sure, that the various cup games were on different days too :greengrin

CB_NO3
15-11-2013, 01:58 PM
If my memory serves me correctly, I think, in the league, we played on 36 different days, but I could just be imagining it :wink: I would also guess, but I can't be sure, that the various cup games were on different days too :greengrin
We have a comedian :-)

Moulin Yarns
15-11-2013, 02:01 PM
We have a comedian :-)

Why, thank you. It is nice when my hidden talents are recognised. :greengrin

Phil D. Rolls
15-11-2013, 02:06 PM
Wasn't sure if it was meant to be tongue in cheek or not - but the odd smillie may have confirmed.

It's a poor decision from the SPFL imo.

Yeah, a smiley would definitely have helped. :agree: just wasn't sure what one.

I do think its ironic though that Hibs build a stadium suitable for games like this, and don't seem to be able to cash in.

NAE NOOKIE
15-11-2013, 06:31 PM
I have aye. Incidentally last Feb, upto Thurso, and bar a getting 3 points for speeding there wasn't a problem at all on the roads.

Notice there hasn't been this much symphony for Rangers and Celtic fans when they've constantly been bumped at 12pm kick-offs all over the place in different weather conditions, likewise us Hearts & Aberdeen etc.

What would happen if it was 5 years ago and ICT met Celtic, at Hampden and on a Wednesday? Would it be a shambles cos the crowd would be 95% Celtic, and a disgrace because Caley fans would be hitting the Cairngorns at half 11 in the evening on the way home when the temperature has plummeted?

Incidentally I believe we had Caley away the weekend they are now participating in the League Cup, meaning now that will be a midweek game maybe a few days after? I want free buses, a venue change and a strongly worded letter from the HSA :D

Is the A96 any worse/better than the A9? Likewise the A90? Making both sets of fans travel to a complete ****hole is daft. If Aberdeen had an Easter Road/Rugby Park-esque ground then aye that would fair, but to a dump like Pitodrie when Easter Road is available just an extra half hours drive away, mental.

Its hard ever to have sympathy for Rangers & Celtic fans no matter how put apon they are :greengrin

Any club playing the Glasgow teams in a semi is going to end up in Glasgow for the obvious reasons, its hard to make a case for moving such a game.

We are talking about a game being played at a neutral venue ... not an ICT or Yams home game. Thats why the ICT fans are rightly pissed off and why we have to suck it up.

As for Pittodrie being a dump. Compared to ER it probably is, but I would imagine that the process of leaving the boozer entering the ground buying a pie and finding your seat isnt a lot different from what it is at ER. If folk wont go to a semi at Pittodrie coz it isnt 21st century state of the art they want to have visited some of the crap holes I went to in the 70s .. they made the current Pittodrie look like the bloomin' Amsterdam Arena. Are folk really that soft these days. Best away day in the last 2 sesons? ... Ayr Utd in the cup at Somerset Park ... what a dump that is.

As for the distance to travel ... Inverness to Aberdeen 2 hours 40 minutes. Inverness to Edinburgh 3 hours. Edinburgh to Edinburgh 0 hours 0 minutes.

It might make sense to have over half the crowd with the venue on their door step. Its not fair that a third of the crowd have to be oot the hoose at 7 in the morning to get to the game. How does that encourage folk to get along to the match?

lapsedhibee
15-11-2013, 08:52 PM
If my memory serves me correctly, I think, in the league, we played on 36 different days, but I could just be imagining it :wink: I would also guess, but I can't be sure, that the various cup games were on different days too :greengrin

My memory's all to pot then, as I can't remember twice playing twice on the same day. I only hope that neither of those occasions involved a home game and a trip away to the highlands, via Fife.

Hibeesforever
16-11-2013, 06:31 PM
Common sense is not in huge supply when it comes to Scottish football decision making.
To prevent Hearts having 3/4 of the ground, ICT should make sure the club takes up its full ticket allocation and does not allow them to be returned for sale to Hearts fans.
Big climbdown for decision to be changed.

Phil D. Rolls
16-11-2013, 06:39 PM
Common sense is not in huge supply when it comes to Scottish football decision making.
To prevent Hearts having 3/4 of the ground, ICT should make sure the club takes up its full ticket allocation and does not allow them to be returned for sale to Hearts fans.
Big climbdown for decision to be changed.

They will take no more to Pittodrie than to ER. The Yams will take as many to Pittodrie as they will to ER, and that involves a drive through Fife too.

.Sean.
17-11-2013, 04:52 AM
Making 10000-15000 Jambos head to Aberdeen is a fat bigger job than shifting a cotuple thousand Heeland yokels and a sheepdog. Bottom line is the Caley supporters who want to be there will attend to matter what.

I never understand the whole 'Inverness to Edinburgh, pure trek' notion, it's not even 4 hours in a bus and is easily done as a day trip. There are far bigger distances between sides down south and they just get with it. Nor is it as if early kickoffs for television is a new idea.

SouthamptonHibs
17-11-2013, 09:07 AM
The question should be where will people get a beer before the game? As its a Sunday pubs in Capital don't open till 12.30pm semi ko is 12.15pm!
Semi finals are meant to be big occasions ie a day out for the fans! Rather than moaning about the travel time I'd be more annoyed at the 12.15 ko, if Fans have to travel 3hours or just a few mins they should be able to enjoy the build up before the match starts.
Anyway Rod will be happy as we have the rent from both semis, the books will be looking good again 2013/14 hail hail

Hibby D
17-11-2013, 10:17 AM
Well done the ICT fans. Playing this game at ER with a lunchtime kick off is just taking the piss out of the fans as usual and does nothing to change the justified opinion of match attending fans that we are last on the list when it comes to consideration by the idots who run our game.

I myself wouldnt be bothered that the venue is in the same city as one of the clubs ... as folk have said we have to play all of our semis in Glasgow when its the OF. But thats because there isnt anywhere elso to play it with a big enough capacity.

But ... when there is a suitable venue almost half way between the two towns it is utterly unfair to make one set travel 150 miles and the other no distance at all. To then make the KO time 12:30 is compounding a stupidity.

Aye ... Hibs will make money out of this, but to benefit from fellow football fans getting shafted once again is no cause for celebration as far as I'm concerned.

Oh and some of the stuff being said about the highland teams on this thread makes us look like Yams :bitchy:

This sums it up for me :agree:

Eyrie
17-11-2013, 10:36 AM
Why should fans from Inverness or Dingwall always be expected to travel down to the central belt for semis? Don't see why their game couldn't be played at (say) Tannadice which would be fairer on all concerned.

As regards venues, a nationally important semi-final deserves an appropriate setting so Easter Road is the perfect choice given the investment that we have made in our stadium, whereas using an asbestos-filled death trap like the PBS is a disgrace.

blackpoolhibs
17-11-2013, 10:44 AM
Making 10000-15000 Jambos head to Aberdeen is a fat bigger job than shifting a cotuple thousand Heeland yokels and a sheepdog. Bottom line is the Caley supporters who want to be there will attend to matter what.

I never understand the whole 'Inverness to Edinburgh, pure trek' notion, it's not even 4 hours in a bus and is easily done as a day trip. There are far bigger distances between sides down south and they just get with it. Nor is it as if early kickoffs for television is a new idea.

You just don't get the idea of fairness and neutral Sean?

Plus the gimps Couldn't take 10k to Hampden for semi final what makes you think they'd take more to Aberdeen?

RIP Bestie
17-11-2013, 11:00 AM
Two wrongs do not make a right?

This is a national cup semi final, and the authorities are making it nigh on impossible for some folk to get to the game.

How is this right in any sort of way?

Supporters are the lifeblood of the game, yet they are the last people considered here.
It's decisions like these that are actually driving people away from football. People are pissed off with these blazers, who are way out of touch with reality in terms of what the fans want, who are making ludicrous decisions and not taking accountability for them. Their decision with this and the announcement of the venues for the Scottish Cup semis and final get me asking one question.
WHATS THE POINT?

CB_NO3
17-11-2013, 11:28 AM
You just don't get the idea of fairness and neutral Sean?

Plus the gimps Couldn't take 10k to Hampden for semi final what makes you think they'd take more to Aberdeen?
Where would you play the next Hibs v Celtic League cup semi final? Aberdeen is about 3 hours away from both sets of fans. So should we play it there?

blackpoolhibs
17-11-2013, 11:37 AM
Where would you play the next Hibs v Celtic League cup semi final? Aberdeen is about 3 hours away from both sets of fans. So should we play it there?

I'd play it at Tynecastle. :wink: The game would obviously be played at Hampden, because thats the ground thats big enough to hold the type of crowd the game would attract.

Inverness v the gimps should be played in a neutral venue, and one that could hold the type of crowd it would attract. Last season the game was played at easter road and i think from memory there was around 16k at the game.

Now again in my opinion Easter road like Hampden is not entirely neutral when we play a glasgow club, but i understand there is no other reasonable alternative, unlike this game where Tannadice for instance is.

I'd say they would both fill that ground to the rafters, its would be easier for the ICT fans to get to, and would look a lot better on tv and for the sponsors.

A fair and good decision all round, where the current decision is not.

Keith_M
17-11-2013, 11:43 AM
My comment earlier about playing the Glasgow clubs in Glasgow was not meant to be a slight on the ICT fans. I meant it as irony, that it has been the case that everyone else has had to put up with this for over 100 years.

I have sympathy for the ICT fans at the time this game has been arranged and think it would also have been fairer to play it somewhere between Edinburgh and Inverness. However, that criteria is never applied to games against the Ugly Sisters.

FWIW, my opinion is that the National stadium should be in the centre of Scotland, between Stirling and Falkirk. That area already has links to the East, North and West via both motorway and Rail. Selling Hampden and the land around it would provide enough money to build a decent stadium in that area with 70,000 capacity.

Despite how logical that would be, the chances of that happening, with our self-serving football leaders and the influence of the Ugly Sisters, is completely zilch.

CB_NO3
17-11-2013, 11:44 AM
I'd play it at Tynecastle. :wink: The game would obviously be played at Hampden, because thats the ground thats big enough to hold the type of crowd the game would attract.

Inverness v the gimps should be played in a neutral venue, and one that could hold the type of crowd it would attract. Last season the game was played at easter road and i think from memory there was around 16k at the game.

Now again in my opinion Easter road like Hampden is not entirely neutral when we play a glasgow club, but i understand there is no other reasonable alternative, unlike this game where Tannadice for instance is.

I'd say they would both fill that ground to the rafters, its would be easier for the ICT fans to get to, and would look a lot better on tv and for the sponsors.

A fair and good decision all round, where the current decision is not.
Tannadice is a dump, as is Pittodrie. Old fashioned stadiums with cables dangling. Old wooden seats with no leg room. Rubbish old turnstyles, foyer areas where you cant swing a cat. The games should be played at the best stadium with the best facilities for the occasion IMO.

Phil D. Rolls
17-11-2013, 11:47 AM
My comment earlier about playing the Glasgow clubs in Glasgow was not meant to be a slight on the ICT fans. I meant it as irony, that it has been the case that everyone else has had to put up with this for over 100 years.

I have sympathy for the ICT fans at the time this game has been arranged and think it would also have been fairer to play it somewhere between Edinburgh and Inverness. However, that criteria is never applied to games against the Ugly Sisters.

FWIW, my opinion is that the National stadium should be in the centre of Scotland, between Stirling and Falkirk. That area already has links to the East, North and West via both motorway and Rail. Selling Hampden and the land around it would provide enough money to build a decent stadium in that area with 70,000 capacity.

Despite how logical that would be, the chances of that happening, with our self-serving football leaders and the influence of the Ugly Sisters, is completely zilch.

:agree: the redevelopment of Hampden, a stadium that isn't even accessible to Glaswegians, was a travesty. I'd build the national stadium at Perth, as I don't like Stirling, and Perth is right in he middle of Scotland. You can even avoid the drive through Fife if you have to.

Keith_M
17-11-2013, 11:50 AM
:agree: the redevelopment of Hampden, a stadium that isn't even accessible to Glaswegians, was a travesty. I'd build the national stadium at Perth, as I don't like Stirling, and Perth is right in he middle of Scotland. You can even avoid the drive through Fife if you have to.


You really have a bee in your bonnet about Fife today


:greengrin

blackpoolhibs
17-11-2013, 11:56 AM
Tannadice is a dump, as is Pittodrie. Old fashioned stadiums with cables dangling. Old wooden seats with no leg room. Rubbish old turnstyles, foyer areas where you cant swing a cat. The games should be played at the best stadium with the best facilities for the occasion IMO.

Yes, thats why there will never be a semi played at at tynecastle then, oops?

Phil D. Rolls
17-11-2013, 12:09 PM
You really have a bee in your bonnet about Fife today


:greengrin

Had a very good day in Dunfermline yesterday actually. It was the ICT fans that complained about having to drive through Fife to get to Easter Road, read the original letter.

They also said that their kids got frightened by all the houses on wheels in Edinburgh. it was politely pointed out that these were what we call "buses".

Another deleted paragraph also made the case that Bobby wouldn't get back in time to feed the chickens, and that Sandy had to plough the east field on the day of the game.

:greengrin

CB_NO3
17-11-2013, 12:09 PM
Yes, thats why there will never be a semi played at at tynecastle then, oops?
If you see my earlier posts, you will see that I said I would be gutted if I was a player playing a national cup semi at Tynecastle. The changing rooms are horrible, freezing, small with 2 showers per team. Both should be at Easter Road.

green&left
17-11-2013, 01:31 PM
Its hard ever to have sympathy for Rangers & Celtic fans no matter how put apon they are :greengrin

Any club playing the Glasgow teams in a semi is going to end up in Glasgow for the obvious reasons, its hard to make a case for moving such a game.

We are talking about a game being played at a neutral venue ... not an ICT or Yams home game. Thats why the ICT fans are rightly pissed off and why we have to suck it up.

As for Pittodrie being a dump. Compared to ER it probably is, but I would imagine that the process of leaving the boozer entering the ground buying a pie and finding your seat isnt a lot different from what it is at ER. If folk wont go to a semi at Pittodrie coz it isnt 21st century state of the art they want to have visited some of the crap holes I went to in the 70s .. they made the current Pittodrie look like the bloomin' Amsterdam Arena. Are folk really that soft these days. Best away day in the last 2 sesons? ... Ayr Utd in the cup at Somerset Park ... what a dump that is.

As for the distance to travel ... Inverness to Aberdeen 2 hours 40 minutes. Inverness to Edinburgh 3 hours. Edinburgh to Edinburgh 0 hours 0 minutes.

It might make sense to have over half the crowd with the venue on their door step. Its not fair that a third of the crowd have to be oot the hoose at 7 in the morning to get to the game. How does that encourage folk to get along to the match?

If folk need to be encouraged to get off their ***** for a semi final then ***** them, they'll be no great loss. The same folk will most probably be happy watching egg chasing or "super sunday" anyway.

Doesn't surprise me some of the responses, we're in a league when if theres any effort required folk can't be bothered. Hibs fans included. We've had "am no gaun cos...." the weathers rubbish. Traffic could be bad. Champs league is on tele. The games on tele. Its too dear. Its too far yadda yadda yadda. Now we've got ICT fans (and others) attempting to justify not attending a semi final FFS. Its 3 hours away. If you cant get the train get the supporters bus, drive in the car if you have one, hire a car, go down on the saturday and make a weekend off it. They've got about 4 months to make arrangements! Somes up the mentality of Scottish football fans generally.

As asked earlier can anyone explain why its a joke that ICT have to play on a Sunday at lunchtime but its acceptable for Rangers (RIP) and Celtic to have every game shifted and play there games on Sunday lunchtimes?

oconnors_strip
17-11-2013, 01:39 PM
The question should be where will people get a beer before the game? As its a Sunday pubs in Capital don't open till 12.30pm semi ko is 12.15pm!
Semi finals are meant to be big occasions ie a day out for the fans! Rather than moaning about the travel time I'd be more annoyed at the 12.15 ko, if Fans have to travel 3hours or just a few mins they should be able to enjoy the build up before the match starts.
Anyway Rod will be happy as we have the rent from both semis, the books will be looking good again 2013/14 hail hail

Pubs can now open and serve from 11am on a Sunday (maybe someone will correct me with exact time) so fans can have a few drinks pre match. I'm sure Paul Kane will be opening the four in hand early for Inverness fans and make it a good party atmosphere for them like last year

green&left
17-11-2013, 01:44 PM
Football fans who actually attend the games are once again the last consideration at the planning stages. It will never happen but a national day of a complete boycott of every game would let our voice be heard.



The fans weren't the ones selling their souls though!

I agree. In an ideal world every game would be 3pm on a Saturday. There would be subsidised football specials travelling all over the country. However we're not in an ideal world, money (from TV companies) dictates, and as a result a bit extra effort is often required, wether its getting up earlier, having to pay an extra few quid, using different means of transport and what have ye.

The funniest thing off all is the irony of it. There will be folk whinging that its been moved to suit TV, yet they'll be paying £25 a month to Sky Sports. Likewise there will be dafties moaning its on TV, yet will actually not go and instead watch it on TV! Not noticing they are infact now part of the problem.

RIP Bestie
17-11-2013, 01:58 PM
I agree. In an ideal world every game would be 3pm on a Saturday. There would be subsidised football specials travelling all over the country. However we're not in an ideal world, money (from TV companies) dictates, and as a result a bit extra effort is often required, wether its getting up earlier, having to pay an extra few quid, using different means of transport and what have ye.

The funniest thing off all is the irony of it. There will be folk whinging that its been moved to suit TV, yet they'll be paying £25 a month to Sky Sports. Likewise there will be dafties moaning its on TV, yet will actually not go and instead watch it on TV! Not noticing they are infact now part of the problem.
I don't think Sky, BBC, BT or whoever, give a monkeys chuff where the games being played as long as it's at their time and trier terms. The main gripe here is location and neutrality and decisions being made without a thought for the fans

RIP Bestie
17-11-2013, 02:07 PM
I agree. In an ideal world every game would be 3pm on a Saturday. There would be subsidised football specials travelling all over the country. However we're not in an ideal world, money (from TV companies) dictates, and as a result a bit extra effort is often required, wether its getting up earlier, having to pay an extra few quid, using different means of transport and what have ye.

The funniest thing off all is the irony of it. There will be folk whinging that its been moved to suit TV, yet they'll be paying £25 a month to Sky Sports. Likewise there will be dafties moaning its on TV, yet will actually not go and instead watch it on TV! Not noticing they are infact now part of the problem.
You're dead right, this is a massive problem and should be seen as a challenge by the Footballing Authorities. In any other business companies would be looking at ways to challenge the competition to increase their revenue and place in the market. The SPFL and SFA seem content to do nothing to help fans attend games but indeed by the looks of things make it as difficult as possible

basehibby
17-11-2013, 02:49 PM
Good letter it is absolutely disgusting how fans are treated in this sport. Shameful to be honest.

:agree: Although I've no connection to the tie, I was actually angry on their behalf when I heard about this - it is a decision beyond comprehension, such is the total contempt for the safety and convenience of the paying customers - not to mention the concept of fairness!

There is no way this tie should be played at Easter Road - Pittodrie and Tannadice are the OBVIOUS candidates - and the 12:30 KO makes a joke of the entire competition IMO, relegating the semi-final to a side show in the ratings war which will pass all but the most interested parties by.

The choice of venue is bad enough, but the KO time is a pure kick in the teeth to the ICT fans - whoever was party to this dreadful decision should be sacked without delay IMO - as they have no place in any kind of fair minded sporting institution and no place either in any kind of organisation that aspires towards building and maintaining a customer base. This kind of scornful attitude to supporters only does harm to Scottish football and the perpetrators need to be launched asap!

Iggy Pope
17-11-2013, 03:09 PM
:agree: Although I've no connection to the tie, I was actually angry on their behalf when I heard about this - it is a decision beyond comprehension, such is the total contempt for the safety and convenience of the paying customers - not to mention the concept of fairness!

There is no way this tie should be played at Easter Road - Pittodrie and Tannadice are the OBVIOUS candidates - and the 12:30 KO makes a joke of the entire competition IMO, relegating the semi-final to a side show in the ratings war which will pass all but the most interested parties by.

The choice of venue is bad enough, but the KO time is a pure kick in the teeth to the ICT fans - whoever was party to this dreadful decision should be sacked without delay IMO - as they have no place in any kind of fair minded sporting institution and no place either in any kind of organisation that aspires towards building and maintaining a customer base. This kind of scornful attitude to supporters only does harm to Scottish football and the perpetrators need to be launched asap!

Can I ask? Why is safety of the fans in contempt do you think?

basehibby
17-11-2013, 03:11 PM
If folk need to be encouraged to get off their ***** for a semi final then ***** them, they'll be no great loss. The same folk will most probably be happy watching egg chasing or "super sunday" anyway.

Doesn't surprise me some of the responses, we're in a league when if theres any effort required folk can't be bothered. Hibs fans included. We've had "am no gaun cos...." the weathers rubbish. Traffic could be bad. Champs league is on tele. The games on tele. Its too dear. Its too far yadda yadda yadda. Now we've got ICT fans (and others) attempting to justify not attending a semi final FFS. Its 3 hours away. If you cant get the train get the supporters bus, drive in the car if you have one, hire a car, go down on the saturday and make a weekend off it. They've got about 4 months to make arrangements! Somes up the mentality of Scottish football fans generally.

As asked earlier can anyone explain why its a joke that ICT have to play on a Sunday at lunchtime but its acceptable for Rangers (RIP) and Celtic to have every game shifted and play there games on Sunday lunchtimes?

3 Hours??? try 3 and a half plus Inverness to Edinburgh East - and that's without stopping.
The obstacles you mention are the realities mate - I've certainly been put off attending fixtures by the KO time in the past and have no doubt that a great many other football supporters would say the same - particularly when being asked to travel an hour more in each direction than is actually necessary. A semi should be a good day out but the authorities seem to be doing their damndest to spoil it for the ICT fans here - lunchtime KOs are crap for run of the mill league games - for Cup Semis they should not even be considered an option IMO.

basehibby
17-11-2013, 03:18 PM
Can I ask? Why is safety of the fans in contempt do you think?

Greater travelling distance at earlier times when the roads are icier in winter time on the most accident prone road in Scotland.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/scotlands-most-dangerous-roads.17121570
- pretty obvious really.

Iggy Pope
17-11-2013, 03:21 PM
Greater travelling distance at earlier times when the roads are icier in winter time on the most accident prone road in Scotland.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/scotlands-most-dangerous-roads.17121570
- pretty obvious really.

Then their safety is a consideration every time they have to travel to play anyone other than Ross County. What do you think the football authorities should do?

blackpoolhibs
17-11-2013, 03:33 PM
Then their safety is a consideration every time they have to travel to play anyone other than Ross County. What do you think the football authorities should do?


:agree:

I'd make them play all their home games with no fans, its the safest way. :wink:

Getting back to the subject, a show piece semi final should always be played if possible somewhere where both sets of fans can reasonably get to if they want to go.

If the authorities have to play the game at Easter Road, and i disagree they do. then at least have it at a time when one set of fans can get there by public transport, IE trains.

I know if going to watch Hibs was a 3 or 4 hour bus trip, i'd not be doing it much, but the train is much more civilised and i'd imagine safer into the bargain.:greengrin

Andy74
17-11-2013, 04:11 PM
Greater travelling distance at earlier times when the roads are icier in winter time on the most accident prone road in Scotland.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/scotlands-most-dangerous-roads.17121570
- pretty obvious really.

Yet you'd be in favour of making an extra 10,000 people travel for three hours?

Iggy Pope
17-11-2013, 04:19 PM
:agree:

I'd make them play all their home games with no fans, its the safest way. :wink:

Getting back to the subject, a show piece semi final should always be played if possible somewhere where both sets of fans can reasonably get to if they want to go.

If the authorities have to play the game at Easter Road, and i disagree they do. then at least have it at a time when one set of fans can get there by public transport, IE trains.

I know if going to watch Hibs was a 3 or 4 hour bus trip, i'd not be doing it much, but the train is much more civilised and i'd imagine safer into the bargain.:greengrin

If they want to be part of the Scottish game then they'll just have to get on with it, like we have to every time we trawl up there. The time of kick off is irrelevant. Scottish football is not to blame for the crap rail service the country offers.

And why would a showpiece semi-final be played anywhere other than the capital city of this small country? A city which has the stadium the occasion needs.

Keith_M
17-11-2013, 04:22 PM
Yet you'd be in favour of making an extra 10,000 people travel for three hours?


They're not people, they're Hearts fans.

Eyrie
17-11-2013, 05:17 PM
If they want to be part of the Scottish game then they'll just have to get on with it, like we have to every time we trawl up there. The time of kick off is irrelevant. Scottish football is not to blame for the crap rail service the country offers.
Why shouldn't kick off times be decided with the needs of the fans borne in mind? Or do you think that the trains should be run to suit football fans?


And why would a showpiece semi-final be played anywhere other than the capital city of this small country? A city which has the stadium the occasion needs.
No-one is against using Easter Road for one of the semis (ie Aberdeen vs St Johnstone), but the other semi could easily be held at Tannadice or Pittodrie rather than a decrepit PBS.

Phil D. Rolls
17-11-2013, 05:23 PM
Then their safety is a consideration every time they have to travel to play anyone other than Ross County. What do you think the football authorities should do?


If they want to be part of the Scottish game then they'll just have to get on with it, like we have to every time we trawl up there. The time of kick off is irrelevant. Scottish football is not to blame for the crap rail service the country offers.

And why would a showpiece semi-final be played anywhere other than the capital city of this small country? A city which has the stadium the occasion needs.

Pretty much sums up my feelings. One of the reasons the old Caley, and the old Thistle, kept getting knocked back was the problems with teams travelling.

The A9 is a terrifying road, but mostly due to teuchters that brag about how they are an hour and a half from the Central Belt.

Iggy Pope
17-11-2013, 05:39 PM
Why shouldn't kick off times be decided with the needs of the fans borne in mind? Or do you think that the trains should be run to suit football fans?

No-one is against using Easter Road for one of the semis (ie Aberdeen vs St Johnstone), but the other semi could easily be held at Tannadice or Pittodrie rather than a decrepit PBS.

Of course they should.
And at one time they were.

Scott Allan Key
17-11-2013, 06:27 PM
Of course they should.
And at one time they were.

As the trains suited fans, there must have been reason for having traditional 3pm kick offs. People not being expected to work on Saturday afternoon? Or ease of travel?

Phil D. Rolls
17-11-2013, 06:30 PM
As the trains suited fans, there must have been reason for having traditional 3pm kick offs. People not being expected to work on Saturday afternoon? Or ease of travel?

They used to run special trains to take supporters to games. They were competitively priced, although rarely in the best of nick.

Iggy Pope
17-11-2013, 06:38 PM
As the trains suited fans, there must have been reason for having traditional 3pm kick offs. People not being expected to work on Saturday afternoon? Or ease of travel?

Not sure I am getting you, but the trains (and buses) suited fans because they put specials on when there was a demand. A demand that fitted a special event. A 'showpiece' if you will.


Its worth remembering that LC Semi Finals were at one time, only played on a midweek and at a neutral venue. Then, for a spell, on a home and away basis.
Icy roads and a three hour trip or not.

As far as working hours goes, are we to blame Scottish Football for the current economic climate as well as the trains?

NAE NOOKIE
17-11-2013, 08:45 PM
If folk need to be encouraged to get off their ***** for a semi final then ***** them, they'll be no great loss. The same folk will most probably be happy watching egg chasing or "super sunday" anyway.

Doesn't surprise me some of the responses, we're in a league when if theres any effort required folk can't be bothered. Hibs fans included. We've had "am no gaun cos...." the weathers rubbish. Traffic could be bad. Champs league is on tele. The games on tele. Its too dear. Its too far yadda yadda yadda. Now we've got ICT fans (and others) attempting to justify not attending a semi final FFS. Its 3 hours away. If you cant get the train get the supporters bus, drive in the car if you have one, hire a car, go down on the saturday and make a weekend off it. They've got about 4 months to make arrangements! Somes up the mentality of Scottish football fans generally.

As asked earlier can anyone explain why its a joke that ICT have to play on a Sunday at lunchtime but its acceptable for Rangers (RIP) and Celtic to have every game shifted and play there games on Sunday lunchtimes?

I couldnt agree more mate. If you are talking about being a fan who is prepared to follow his / her team come what may and is a regular supporter then I agree wholeheartedly. For the last couple of early kick offs at Hampden I have been out the house at 6:30 to go the 15 miles to catch my supporters bus .... not happy about that, but hey ho such is the life of a fitba fan these days.

But when it comes to semi finals and the like clubs like ICT will rely on folk who are not regular attenders to swell their support on the day. For Hibs thats not such a problem coz we have lots of fans who do go to games, but perhaps not on a regular basis. For ICT it will be vital that their much smaller irregular support turns out .... that is less likely to happen if a huge effort is required to make the game.

basehibby
17-11-2013, 10:59 PM
Then their safety is a consideration every time they have to travel to play anyone other than Ross County. What do you think the football authorities should do?

How about avoiding midday KOs for important ties such as cup semis?

Hermit Crab
17-11-2013, 11:01 PM
They used to run special trains to take supporters to games. They were competitively priced, although rarely in the best of nick.

Yes, they used old rolling stock incase they got trashed. You wouldn't use brand new sets of coaches to transport a bunch of scallys to and from a football match would you ;)

basehibby
17-11-2013, 11:02 PM
Yet you'd be in favour of making an extra 10,000 people travel for three hours?

It's not 3 hours to Dundee - far from it - and the road up there from Edinburgh is very easy driving - and shurely you mean 400,000 anyway :confused:

Hermit Crab
17-11-2013, 11:03 PM
How about avoiding midday KOs for important ties such as cup semis?

Absolutely. They should all be a 3pm ko.

basehibby
17-11-2013, 11:08 PM
If they want to be part of the Scottish game then they'll just have to get on with it, like we have to every time we trawl up there. The time of kick off is irrelevant. Scottish football is not to blame for the crap rail service the country offers.

And why would a showpiece semi-final be played anywhere other than the capital city of this small country? A city which has the stadium the occasion needs.

Now you're just being f*ing ridiculous - no wait - I know - why not put it on with a Mon 6:30am KO - then I could watch it before I leave for work Mon morning!

ER is a great stadium but that should not be a reason for ignoring the concept of neutrality for a cup semi venue. Tannadice and Pittodrie are perfectly adequate - certainly a lot more so than the asbestos carbuncle in which the other semi is being staged.

blackpoolhibs
17-11-2013, 11:42 PM
Football in Scotland is on its arse, of course they should be making it as easy as possible for all fans of each club to attend this show piece game, irrespective of where its played.

CB_NO3
18-11-2013, 12:28 AM
Football in Scotland is on its arse, of course they should be making it as easy as possible for all fans of each club to attend this show piece game, irrespective of where its played.
Its only Edinburgh they are going too, not the Shetland islands. As people have said Celtic have been doing it every second week for the last 5 years. We leave at 9 in the morning to go to Hampden for a 3pm KO all be it for a bevy first. They could leave Inverness at 9 and still make KO. The roads will be dead on a Sunday morning.

blackpoolhibs
18-11-2013, 10:48 AM
Its only Edinburgh they are going too, not the Shetland islands. As people have said Celtic have been doing it every second week for the last 5 years. We leave at 9 in the morning to go to Hampden for a 3pm KO all be it for a bevy first. They could leave Inverness at 9 and still make KO. The roads will be dead on a Sunday morning.

I'm wasting my time here, but anyway i will say it again. Its a show piece game, one that's there to highlight all thats supposed to be good in our game. And the authorities are ignoring the one thing that football should be all about, IE the fans.

Just because Celtic have been doing it for years does not make it right, have you not heard them moaning about it?

When things are not working do you just plough on regardless, or do you take stock of things and try a different approach?

A full ground at Tannadice with a 3pm kick off time would give both teams enough time to get their supporters there, the ground would be full to capacity, the pictures on tv would look good, the sponsors would i imagine be much happier and it would look better.

All putting our game in a better light, because as i said earlier. Our game is on its arse, and it needs fixing, making it difficult for fans to make the kick off time is just simply stupid in my opinion.

Hibbyradge
18-11-2013, 11:02 AM
We leave at 9 in the morning to go to Hampden for a 3pm KO all be it for a bevy first.

That's your choice. No-one forces you to do that. You could leave at 1.00pm if your domestic arrangements or work required it.

That choice is not being afforded to the Caley fans.

Clearly ICT fans don't deserve a bevvy before the game like we do.


They could leave Inverness at 9 and still make KO.

This is true, unless, of course, there are any traffic or weather problems on the A9 or in Edinburgh and as long as the authorities have helpfully kept hundreds of car parking spaces on Easter Road free for them. Straight to the game then straight home. That's the way to enhance the football experience and encourage people to attend. :rolleyes:

I guarantee that if Hibs were drawn to play a "neutral" semi-final against Ross County at the Caledonian Stadium, you'd have something to say.

CB_NO3
18-11-2013, 12:32 PM
That's your choice. No-one forces you to do that. You could leave at 1.00pm if your domestic arrangements or work required it.

That choice is not being afforded to the Caley fans.

Clearly ICT fans don't deserve a bevvy before the game like we do.



This is true, unless, of course, there are any traffic or weather problems on the A9 or in Edinburgh and as long as the authorities have helpfully kept hundreds of car parking spaces on Easter Road free for them. Straight to the game then straight home. That's the way to enhance the football experience and encourage people to attend. :rolleyes:

I guarantee that if Hibs were drawn to play a "neutral" semi-final against Ross County at the Caledonian Stadium, you'd have something to say.
If the Caledonian stadium was the best outside Hampden, with the best facilities and so on for that specific match then so be it. While it would not be perfect I would accept it, as its a sign of the times in modern football. I have been to Aberdeen for pointless league games with 12.30 KO on a Sunday. I have been to Inverness and Dingwall for Wednesday night games. I have been to Dingwall and Aberdeen for cup replay's on Wednesday nights. I have been to Blackpool and Blackburn for pointless mid-week friendlies. Am going to Dingwall on boxing day when there is no public transport so am pretty sure I would make a big effort and not whinge about a national Semi Final for god sake.

blackpoolhibs
18-11-2013, 12:44 PM
If the Caledonian stadium was the best outside Hampden, with the best facilities and so on for that specific match then so be it. While it would not be perfect I would accept it, as its a sign of the times in modern football. I have been to Aberdeen for pointless league games with 12.30 KO on a Sunday. I have been to Inverness and Dingwall for Wednesday night games. I have been to Dingwall and Aberdeen for cup replay's on Wednesday nights. I have been to Blackpool and Blackburn for pointless mid-week friendlies. Am going to Dingwall on boxing day when there is no public transport so am pretty sure I would make a big effort and not whinge about a national Semi Final for god sake.

You just don't see the argument, while the game is on its arse, there will still be those who will go at ANY TIME to see their team.

Pretty soon if things carry on as they are, you and the rest of the supporters who go whatever the time day or product on show will be the only ones attending games.

The games broken, Scottish football is losing supporters as we speak. Yet there are still folk who like yourself want to carry on as if nothings wrong.

Its things like this that are driving folk away from the game. TV is driving the game now, not supporters, how can this be right?

Big games like semi finals and the likes are about getting those floating fans through the doors, as many of them as possible.

Does this kick off time and location do this?

Andy74
18-11-2013, 12:56 PM
You just don't see the argument, while the game is on its arse, there will still be those who will go at ANY TIME to see their team.

Pretty soon if things carry on as they are, you and the rest of the supporters who go whatever the time day or product on show will be the only ones attending games.

The games broken, Scottish football is losing supporters as we speak. Yet there are still folk who like yourself want to carry on as if nothings wrong.

Its things like this that are driving folk away from the game. TV is driving the game now, not supporters, how can this be right?

Big games like semi finals and the likes are about getting those floating fans through the doors, as many of them as possible.

Does this kick off time and location do this?

If the aim is to encourage more supporters playing the game in Edinburgh is sensible.

Making an extra 10,000 people travel for three hours would come into the category of an obstacle to attracting the most people possible to a game surely?

hibsbollah
18-11-2013, 12:56 PM
If the Caledonian stadium was the best outside Hampden, with the best facilities and so on for that specific match then so be it. While it would not be perfect I would accept it, as its a sign of the times in modern football. I have been to Aberdeen for pointless league games with 12.30 KO on a Sunday. I have been to Inverness and Dingwall for Wednesday night games. I have been to Dingwall and Aberdeen for cup replay's on Wednesday nights. I have been to Blackpool and Blackburn for pointless mid-week friendlies. Am going to Dingwall on boxing day when there is no public transport so am pretty sure I would make a big effort and not whinge about a national Semi Final for god sake.

The point you seem to be missing is quite simple; not everyone is like you.

hibsbollah
18-11-2013, 01:01 PM
If the aim is to encourage more supporters playing the game in Edinburgh is sensible.

Making an extra 10,000 people travel for three hours would come into the category of an obstacle to attracting the most people possible to a game surely?

The main aim of the sports administrators should be to ensure teams are treated equitably. The triple whammy of kick off time, time of year and relative distances means this is clearly not happening for this fixture. I cant believe theres any debate about that to be honest :dunno:

Andy74
18-11-2013, 01:10 PM
The main aim of the sports administrators should be to ensure teams are treated equitably. The triple whammy of kick off time, time of year and relative distances means this is clearly not happening for this fixture. I cant believe theres any debate about that to be honest :dunno:

If it was about equality there would have to be no semis or finals in Glasgow for starters.

Inverness have to travel anyway. For a semi final I'm sure they are glad to. So after that you find a quality stadium of the right size and you also have as few people tracking around the roads of scotland as you can help.

The kick off time I agree is unhelpful.

CB_NO3
18-11-2013, 01:11 PM
You just don't see the argument, while the game is on its arse, there will still be those who will go at ANY TIME to see their team.

Pretty soon if things carry on as they are, you and the rest of the supporters who go whatever the time day or product on show will be the only ones attending games.

The games broken, Scottish football is losing supporters as we speak. Yet there are still folk who like yourself want to carry on as if nothings wrong.

Its things like this that are driving folk away from the game. TV is driving the game now, not supporters, how can this be right?

Big games like semi finals and the likes are about getting those floating fans through the doors, as many of them as possible.

Does this kick off time and location do this?
Caley will take 3k to Easter Road. They would have had the same amount to Tannadice or Pittodrie. If it was at Caleys own ground I would bank on there being more Hearts fans there than ICT fans.

You say the game is dying on its arse and it should be played at Tannadice which holds 14k, but the last semi final between the two there was 16k. Where is the logic in that?

Phil MaGlass
18-11-2013, 01:49 PM
I'm wasting my time here, but anyway i will say it again. Its a show piece game, one that's there to highlight all thats supposed to be good in our game. And the authorities are ignoring the one thing that football should be all about, IE the fans.

Just because Celtic have been doing it for years does not make it right, have you not heard them moaning about it?

When things are not working do you just plough on regardless, or do you take stock of things and try a different approach?

A full ground at Tannadice with a 3pm kick off time would give both teams enough time to get their supporters there, the ground would be full to capacity, the pictures on tv would look good, the sponsors would i imagine be much happier and it would look better.

All putting our game in a better light, because as i said earlier. Our game is on its arse, and it needs fixing, making it difficult for fans to make the kick off time is just simply stupid in my opinion.

This 100%, show piece, mair like ar5e piece now.

blackpoolhibs
18-11-2013, 05:04 PM
Wasting my time.

GreenCastle
18-11-2013, 05:26 PM
Can't believe people still don't realise the basics here - the ICT fans are being screwed over - very simple.

This is all about money and bad planning from the people in charge of the game.

When the economy is struggling and people are trying to save money plus the fact Scottish Football is losing money / fans - you would think they would make as easy as possible for BOTH sets of fans to get to a semi final.

Geo_1875
19-11-2013, 01:57 PM
And now Doncaster is going to sit down with ICT and their fans, listen to their concerns regarding the date, venue and kick-off time, then totally ignore them.

ancient hibee
19-11-2013, 03:38 PM
As only 1500 ICT fans could be bothered turning up for the quarter final at home they've got a cheek.The TV money will make up for it.

Geo_1875
19-11-2013, 03:58 PM
As only 1500 ICT fans could be bothered turning up for the quarter final at home they've got a cheek.The TV money will make up for it.

How will the TV money make up for travelling at stupid o'clock on a Sunday morning to watch the semi-final?

monktonharp
19-11-2013, 04:10 PM
As only 1500 ICT fans could be bothered turning up for the quarter final at home they've got a cheek.The TV money will make up for it.nonsense

Iggy Pope
19-11-2013, 08:28 PM
How about avoiding midday KOs for important ties such as cup semis?

Why only semis? Are people somehow safer when making the very same journey to bog standard league games?



Now you're just being f*ing ridiculous - no wait - I know - why not put it on with a Mon 6:30am KO - then I could watch it before I leave for work Mon morning!

ER is a great stadium but that should not be a reason for ignoring the concept of neutrality for a cup semi venue. Tannadice and Pittodrie are perfectly adequate - certainly a lot more so than the asbestos carbuncle in which the other semi is being staged.

Mind yer tongue. And stop talking keech, especially about Pittodrie. Explain exactly how that would be fairer? Putting the lives of both sets of fans and their innocent kids into absolute peril. And if you think Tannadice is adequate for anything other than the wrecking ball for their main stand, then you haven't made that trip in a while.

marinello59
19-11-2013, 08:54 PM
Football in Scotland is on its arse, of course they should be making it as easy as possible for all fans of each club to attend this show piece game, irrespective of where its played.

Exactly.
Some of the comments on here beggar belief. Maybe we do have the game we deserve.

Jonnyboy
19-11-2013, 09:50 PM
As only 1500 ICT fans could be bothered turning up for the quarter final at home they've got a cheek.The TV money will make up for it.

Like when around 7,000 Hibs fans could only 'be bothered turning up for a semi final against Rangers but miraculously something like 4 times that number went to the final

Hibby D
19-11-2013, 10:50 PM
Wasting my time.

No, you're not! I know it must feel like you're a hamster running its wheel (sorry, best analogy I could think of :greengrin) but you're not wasting your time. I was indifferent before reading this thread but you are putting the best argument forward as to why the venue for this fixture must be reconsidered.

Some people cannae see the wood for the trees in this debate, whilst some others are just being deliberately pig-headed and obstinate by refusing to see the many valid points being put forward.

monktonharp
19-11-2013, 11:12 PM
No, you're not! I know it must feel like you're a hamster running its wheel (sorry, best analogy I could think of :greengrin) but you're not wasting your time. I was indifferent before reading this thread but you are putting the best argument forward as to why the venue for this fixture must be reconsidered.

Some people cannae see the wood for the trees in this debate, whilst some others are just being deliberately pig-headed and obstinate by refusing to see the many valid points being put forward.

well said Diane.I felt, near the start of this thread that some did not actually read the complaint letter from the Caley fans re-safety issues, far too early start for them to get there etc. BH, has opened it up further, with his comments about Scottish fitba' in general and I am really perplexed with the comments of a few about...they only bring about 1500 etc. it's like a slap in the puss to football fans, do as we say or don't go to football:fuming: