Partick Thistle to call for SPFL review over Tynecastle decision
Sunday 19 November 2017 15:54, UK
Partick Thistle have said they will be asking the Scottish Professional Football League to review the circumstances surrounding the 11th-hour decision on the opening of the new Tynecastle stand.
Work on the demolition of the 102-year-old Archibald Leitch-designed main stand in Gorgie started 12 months ago and the new structure was originally intended to be ready for use from the start of September.
But a series of delays meant the Edinburgh club were not able to return to their spiritual home until this weekend and Thistle are unhappy final confirmation that Sunday's game between the two teams would take place was left so late.
A Firhill statement read: "It is unacceptable that there was uncertainty about whether a top-flight game would go ahead less than 18 hours before kick-off.
"On Monday, we will be asking the SPFL for an extensive review into the circumstances that allowed this situation to arise.
"Specifically, we will be asking why it was allowed to continue to such a late stage, damaging Scottish football at a time when we are all working hard to attract new fans."
However, Hearts owner Ann Budge, speaking to Sky Sports News ahead of kick-off, defended her club's approach and said she had kept all parties informed during the past seven days.
She said: "There was a lot to do this week, there is no question about that. I was repeatedly assured by the construction team 'Don't worry we will do it.'
"I felt I had a duty to get this game on. Despite what you may have read, I was in constant touch with Partick, and daily contact with the SPFL, keeping them informed.
"I know certain supporters will have been frustrated but we were really doing it because we felt it was the right hing to do.
"The easy thing to do would would have been to postpone the game. Nobody wanted that. Partick Thistle did not want that."
