Police Scotland stepped in to rule out the Old Firm Scottish Cup clash going ahead on Saturday evening, it has been reported.
This is despite the initial 4pm slot on Saturday afternoon that was set to go ahead, presumably with input from the authorities.
Yesterday, the updated schedule for the fourth round was confirmed, with the Ibrox encounter given a new kick-off – Sunday 3pm.
Updated fixture details for this weekend's Fourth Round ties have now been confirmed.
➡️ Read more: https://t.co/H793dgoxlN#ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/eJuJNcnDJt
— Scottish Cup (@ScottishCup) April 12, 2021
There has been plenty of angst and frustration from fans because of the changes – enforced due to the funeral of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Saturday games are much preferred by most for several reasons but at least the dreaded noon kick-off has been avoided.
Stonewalled
Following their report yesterday that the game would be moved to Sunday, the Daily Record (print edition, page 48) commented further on the fixture situation:
“Aberdeen’s last-16 tie with Livingston – one of two matches to be screened live by Premier Sports – has been brought forward from Sunday afternoon to 5.30pm on Saturday.”
“St Johnstone will take on Clyde at the same time”
“It is understood police stonewalled any talk of the Old Firm derby being pushed back into that Saturday evening slot whch is why it will be held back until 3pm on Sunday and shown live on Premier Sports.”
However, this begs the question,
If a Saturday 4pm kick-off was ok as previously agreed, exactly what difference would 90 minutes have made to the Police?
That is very unclear, to say the least.
VitalRangers understands that broadcasters Premier Sports also had reservations about the Old-Firm cup clash going head-to-head against Chelsea v Man City in the FA Cup at the same time, live on BBC.
Whilst that game down in England will pale into insignificance for the vast majority with eyes fixed on the Ibrox encounter this weekend, the overall battle for viewers means that terrestrial TV would take away numbers from Premier Sports showpiece game, particularly outside of Scotland.
Sunday 3pm it is.