SFA call on clubs to make early pitch inspections ahead of Scottish Cup weekend

THE Scottish Football Association has urged clubs to make early pitch inspections ahead of this weekend's Active Nation Scottish Cup fourth round ties.

The recent cold snap has decimated the fixture list and with no imminent improvement in the weather, many of this week's cup game are already thought to be at risk.

An SFA spokesperson told Press Association Sport that home clubs should be making decisions on the state of their pitch and the surrounding areas of the stadium as early as Wednesday.

"Due to the extreme weather conditions, the Scottish FA has been proactive in encouraging early pitch inspections for all Active Nation Scottish Cup fourth round ties this weekend," the spokesperson said.

"In the interests of supporter safety and convenience, inspections will take place from tomorrow onwards and clubs have also been advised to liaise with their local authority with regard to the surrounding areas of their grounds.

"Under the Scottish FA cup competition rules, pitch inspections can be carried out no later than four hours prior to kick-off but given the weather forecast for the week ahead, it is prudent for inspections to be carried out as quickly as possible."

SCOTTISH CUP FIXTURES

Saturday 9 January

Aberdeen v Hearts

Albion v Stirling

Ayr v Brechin

Dunfermline v Stenhousemuir

Edinburgh City v Montrose

Forfar v St Johnstone

Hibernian v Irvine Meadow

Inverness CT v Motherwell

Kilmarnock v Falkirk

Livingston v Dundee

Morton v Celtic

Partick Thistle v Dundee Utd

Raith v Airdrie Utd

Ross County v Inverurie Locos

St Mirren v Alloa

Sunday 10 January

Hamilton v Rangers, 12.15