Hampden only place for the Cup Final
Published by Anne Marie Hughes on Sat 09 Jun 12 @ 22:12
Glasgow Chamber has welcomed a statement by the Scottish Football Association that this season's Scottish Cup Final will take place as usual at Hampden Park - despite a campaign being launched to move it east.
Semi final wins by Hearts and Hibs over Celtic and Aberdeen resulted in the first Edinburgh derby Cup Final since 1896, and have led to a campaign by some East coast politicians and business organisations to move the May 19 clash to Murrayfield.
But Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick said: "I am delighted that the SFA has said that the Final will definitely be at Hampden, and that no other venue will be considered.
"Major football occasions are vitally important to businesses in Glasgow's tourism and leisure sector, just as rugby internationals are to businesses in Edinburgh. The Scottish Cup Final and occasions like it bring millions of pounds a year to Glasgow, and they must stay in the city.
"Hampden is our national football stadium, and that is where the Cup Final should be played. Murrayfield is a wonderful stadium, but it is the home of rugby - not football.
"I'm sure the supporters of Hearts and Hibs will be looking forward to their day out in Scotland's biggest city. And if the winners want to stay on and celebrate with the best nightlife in the country, they are very welcome!"
