EARLY SUNDAY START FOR CELTIC’S SEMI FINAL

CELTIC, after overcoming the rugged challenge of Dundee United by a fully-deserved four-goal margin in last night’s replay, will face old foes Inverness Caley Thistle in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden on Sunday, 19th April with a 12.15pm kick-off, to suit Scottish football’s TV masters.

No consideration whatsoever seems to be given to either the Inverness fans having to get from the Highland capital to Hamden for an early lunchtime kick-off or Celtic’s much neglected Irish support who find it practically impossible to cross the Irish sea and then travel up to Glasgow for this inconvenient Sunday lunchtime kick off time.

This will be the third time this year that Celtic have played on the Hamden pitch and the second semi final that we have played the day after the other semi final, which does not make for decent playing conditions on a consistently poor park.

TV arrangements have yet to be announced. Sky Sports beamed the first quarter-final clash against Dundee United at Tannadice on 8th March live. However, the satellite giants were not allowed to show the action last night due to a directive from UEFA which forbids other games being shown while Champions League ties are being played.

Hibs, with former Celtic stalwart Alan Stubbs in charge, will take on Falkirk, managed by ex-Hoops scout Peter Houston, in the other semi-final at Hampden 24 hours earlier.