SFA President Rod Petrie has confirmed that the Scottish Cup would be played to a conclusion and that supporters would be in attendance, once it is safe to do so. The former Hibs chairman, who has been the President of the SFA since 2019, dismissed speculation that the competition, which is currently at the semi-final stage would be cancelled.

Speaking to BBC Sportsound, Petrie detailed that the plan was to play the matches between Celtic and Aberdeen as well as the Edinburgh Derby when it was safe to do so, even if that meant using time next year.

“Yes. We want to play the games. It’s a showpiece competition.

“We want to play both semi-finals and the final in front of fans so that means later in the year, even into next year.

“And that’s why our regulation group is there to so the SFA has the power to determine when it can play that competition. That’s an important part.

“But again, we are going to have questions to deal with in terms of the practical arrangements for sets of supporters as well as travelling because it’s not a local game. In the league you might look to have just home supporters and not have visiting fans travelling.

“We need to make sure most of the restrictions are over before we can have a meaningful and joyful Scottish Cup.”

This is a massive boost for Celtic, who were a handful of games away from completing a fourth consecutive treble and this means that we may have the opportunity to compete for the trophy when football returns.

The Euros, due to be played this summer, will be played next year but will still be carried as 2020 – along with the Olympics. These are unprecedented times and, as has been said before, we need to make a new normal and if that is allowing the games to be played next March, then they need to be played.

INVINCIBLE by Matt Corr

The Celtic Star’s very own Matt Corr – who you may also know as a Tour Guide at Celtic Park – publishes his first Celtic book, titled INVINCIBLE – early next month. This beautiful hardback book will be the definitive story of Celtic’s magical2016-17 season – it truly is wonderful, a real joy to read, and brilliantly written by Matt.

If you have been reading Matt’s regular contributions on The Celtic Star or indeed in the Matchday Programme or in the Celtic View you will know just how talented a Celtic writer he is. The book is published by The Celtic Star and you can pre-order below.

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