Ian Maxwell
Chief Executive Officer
Scottish Football Association
Hampden Park
Glasgow
G42 9AY
9 May 2023
Dear lan,
I am writing following the announcement that the Scottish Cup Final taking place on 3rd June between Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC and Celtic FC will kick off at the later time of 17:30, to urge you to reconsider this decision.
As a season ticket holder, I cannot stress enough how disappointing this is for so many fans of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who face a very difficult decision in having to pay out hundreds of pounds in hotel costs or miss out on seeing their team playing on this momentous occasion.
As you will be aware, the last train connection from Mount Florida to Inverness on that day leaves before what will likely be full-time, unless the game goes to extra time. This means that any fans travelling back to Inverness by train would have to leave the game early in any case, missing out on celebrations as well as, potentially, the winning goal or penalties.
Anyone driving will have to contend with getting home in the wee hours of the morning. This is a safety risk as well as an inconvenience.
It is unacceptable to most fans that the fixture, traditionally kicking off at 15:00, has been moved for the sake of not clashing with another country’s fixture.
I am aware that both clubs have stated their opposition to this timing and urge you in the strongest possible terms to reconsider.
Yours sincerely,
Emma Roddick
Emma Roddick MSP 