Why derby clash should be played at home of rugby

GRAHAM SPIERS, Chief Sportswriter February 28 2006

Come on, ye famed blazers of the SFA . . . put the Hibs-Hearts semi-final on at Murrayfield, where the spectacle would be something to behold.

Last night's draw for the last four of the Tennent's Scottish Cup made intriguing viewing, most particularly for the potential bickering that could break out over where the ties should be played.

In the case of Hibs and Hearts, surely Murrayfield would be an obvious choice.

For one thing, the national home of rugby holds 67,000, which is around 15,000 more than Hampden. And for another, the two Edinburgh sides playing at Murrayfield would mean that all the booze money, and everything else to boot, would remain in Scotland's capital, rather than be transported west to the dreaded "Weegie-land".

To be honest, Hibs and Hearts, on this occasion, should factor in the wishes of their supporters. It is hard to believe that a majority of Edinburgh fans would not prefer the match to go ahead at Murrayfield, even if the boards of the clubs – especially Hibs – have reservations.

As I write I can almost hear the calculators being punched by the SFA bean-counters, who will loathe the prospect of Hampden not staging the all-Edinburgh semi.

I can also hear all the arguments: Murrayfield will have to be hired by the SFA. Why should football money fall prey to the SRU? Why should Hampden be denied one of its showpiece games of the season?

Surely, though, there is a financial argument for Murrayfield?

It has more seats for a start. There is greater corporate hospitality potential. Transport for supporters would certainly be cheaper. In general, it could generate a bigger financial windfall, and so what if some of that – call it 20%, max – has to be cut the SRU's way?

Someone last night had the audacity to ask if Hearts and Hibs could fill Murrayfield for a Scottish Cup semi-final.

Not only would these two clubs fill that great arena, but the spectacle would be utterly enthralling.

How ironic it would be, too, if such a scenario got the nod, that the biggest crowd in over 30 years for a domestic football match in Scotland would involve neither of the Old Firm.

As last night wore on, the noises coming out of Hampden and elsewhere suggested that the match would certainly go ahead at football's National Stadium.

If so, it will be no great sin, and after all the fuss over its refurbishment, the patched-up old crater deserves whatever it can get.

Murrayfield, though, would still be a thrilling venue.

Taken from the Herald