HEARTS boss Craig Levein will incur the wrath of Celtic fans with his taunting comments about the SPFL’s embarrassing U-turn to switch the Betfred League Cup semi-final from Hampden to Murrayfield on Sunday, October 28 with a 1.30pm kick-off.
The former Scotland international manager, whose inane remarks in recent times have been a source of amusement to the Hoops support, will irk a few on this occasion.
Levein is clearly happy that his side will be playing in Edinburgh against the holders and argues it is only fair for Brendan Rodgers’ team to make the trip to the capital.
Speaking before the venues were confirmed, he said: “There’s a part of me that says: ‘Hold on a minute – our supporters have to go to Hampden every year, so why can’t Celtic supporters come through to Edinburgh for one year?’
“For me, considering we were the first out of the hat, that makes us the Saturday game.
“We have to play on the Sunday to suit Celtic, so I think it’s reasonable to expect them to come through.
“Also, the police know what they are dealing with. They have held a Hearts v Rangers game at Murrayfield, so I think a Hearts v Celtic game shouldn’t hold any fears.”
Levein also dismissed any suggestion his side would have an unfair advantage playing at Murrayfield after using the 67,000 capacity arena for four Premiership matches last season while the new main stand at Tynecastle was being built.
Levein, who appears to have conveniently forgotten Hampden is the Scottish national FOOTBALL stadium and Murrayfield is the home of RUGBY, added: “I’ve looked at the squad and hardly any of our boys have played there.
“There’s no advantage for us playing at Murrayfield.”
Celtic, under Ronny Deila, also played European games at the rugby ground in 2014 when Parkhead was being used for the Commonwealth Games.
Aberdeen and Sevco Rangers will play at Hampden in the other semi-final on the same day with a 4pm kick-off.
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