Cup pair miss out on TV cash

ROBERT MARTIN

UEFA have robbed St Johnstone and Hearts of a £165,000 windfall after refusing to allow their Scottish Cup replay to be shown live on TV next Thursday.

They told the SFA they would not allow Sky coverage because it clashed with European ties and the game will now go ahead in its original Tuesday night slot.

Saints chairman Steve Brown said: "Obviously when the prospect arises of a live TV cheque, it appealed to both ourselves and Hearts, so it's disappointing to miss out.

"It has been clouded by confusion, but it looks to have been a non-starter because of the rules."

Sky screened the game at Tynecastle as Steve Lomas, below, saw his side fight back to draw 1-1.

And SunSport revealed they were keen to show the replay which would have landed each club £82,500.

UEFA do not allow domestic games to be broadcast up against Champions League matches on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

And the rule has now been extended to include Europa League matches on Thursdays.

Brown added: "Of course it hurts to miss out on money when there was interest in broadcasting the match. In the current financial climate we can all do with every penny."