TV OR NOT TV? BRENDAN HAS THE ANSWER

BRENDAN RODGERS has admitted he has sympathy for the fans who are complaining about the back-to-back Btefred League Cup semi-final encounters at Hampden on Sunday, October 28.

Holders Celtic, who are going for the hat-trick during the Irishman’s reign, will take on Hearts in the 7.45pm kick-off following Aberdeen’s tie against Sevco Rangers at noon.

Both games will be beamed live by BT Sport and the Hoops boss said: “In the modern game, it is definitely television that rules the roost, no doubt about it.

“You can be on an international break and come back and play on a Friday night and there’s not a lot you can do about it. Television pays the money to the organisations and you have to run with it.

“With the decision made so quickly you assume, operationally and logistically, this was deemed the best solution.

“Each club will have a gripe for different reasons why it shouldn’t be played on the Sunday, but the organisers and police must feel this is the best possibility for the games.

“I try not to overthink it. They’ve made a decision and I can only assume they’ve sat and thought it out with police and have done what they think is the best for the game and supporter safety, travel and everything.

“It is what it is – we’re playing at 7.45 on the Sunday evening. Get on with it.”

* DON’T miss all the action in the unbeatable match report from the Celtic v Aberdeen game this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.