CELTIC legend Davie Hay has taken aim at the blundering Scottish football bosses and claimed the scheduling of the Betfred League Cup semi-finals is “absolute farce”.
The Hoops were originally scheduled to play Hearts at Hampden on the evening of Sunday, October 28, with Aberdeen taking on Sevco Rangers earlier in the day at the same venue.
However, after an amazing U-turn, Brendan Rodgers’ holders, who have won the trophy twice during his reign, have been ordered to play their Edinburgh rivals at Murrayfield.
Former manager and player Hay, now a club ambassador, said: “It does not take much to invite criticism towards the SPFL, but the carry-on over the League Cup semi-finals was an absolute farce.
“Where was the organisation? The forward-planning?
“It did not take a genius to work out that if both Celtic and Rangers progressed to the Europa League then there was an obvious clash for the semi-final dates.
“To that end, I just don’t think there would have been any issue if they had said prior to the draw that the first tie out of the hat would be played at Murrayfield and the second at Hampden. It could have been as straightforward as that.
“It is then transparent, there is a clear plan and everyone knows what is what from the get-to.
“Instead, what we had was a bowing to public opinion and the whole thing looks like a shambles.”
Hay added: “Hearts and Aberdeen both had a point. They were right to voice it and the first decision to play both games at Hampden was always a stupid one.
“Celtic were within their rights to be upset at the change and how it came about, too.
“It’s not about going through to Murrayfield, but simply the manner in which the decision was made.
“They will need to get on with it, but you can see why an entire lack of organisation has led to the chaos and discord that we have seen.”
