Hearts wait on Tynecastle decision after failing initial Friday inspection
Saturday 18 November 2017 09:33, UK
Hearts must wait until Saturday to find out if they will play Partick Thistle at Tynecastle after the stadium failed an inspection on Friday.
Last-minute works at the redeveloped ground have been continuing apace in the hope that the scheduled game against Partick Thistle on Sunday will get the all-clear, but there remain genuine fears the match could be postponed.
The stadium did not pass an inspection by City of Edinburgh Council safety officers on Friday and they will try again on Saturday, although Hearts and the SPFL are confident the game will go ahead as planned.
Builders will work through the night to try and ensure the safety requirements are met.
However, if the stadium fails to pass the required tests, Thistle have already been briefed that the game could be called off with Hearts' recent temporary home, Murrayfield, unavailable due to Scotland's rugby internationals.
Club owner Ann Budge later assured fans everything possible was being done to satisfy council officers.
She said: "Following our meeting with CEC officials this morning, there are a few elements of work still to be completed. Our construction management team is very confident that this will be achieved.
"A final visit will take place tomorrow at 12noon, following which I hope to be able to issue a 'we are open for business' message early tomorrow afternoon. However...no guarantees!"
Speaking ahead of Friday's failed inspection, Jambos manager Craig Levein said: "It's a moving case, shall we say. We're hopeful the game will go ahead on Sunday, but you're probably aware that we need certain certifications for that to happen.
"I was down there on Thursday afternoon and it was full steam ahead to try and get the game on.
"We're preparing for the game to be on. I was slightly more hopeful than when I was there the week before, so we will see."
Hearts, who sit sixth in the Premiership after 13 games, have yet to play at Tynecastle this season; their last match at the stadium coming against Aberdeen on May 7.
