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Network Rail rejects calls to halt disruptive works on day of Aberdeen’s cup semi-final match with Rangers

Concerns are being raised about rail services for the Dons clash with Rangers in January.
Concerns are being raised about rail services for the Dons clash with Rangers in January.

Network Rail has rejected calls to halt disruptive works on the day of Aberdeen’s semi-final cup match with Rangers.

The Aberdeen to Dundee line is scheduled to be closed on Sunday, January 15.

It is the same day 20,000 Dons fans are travelling to Hampden, as their team plays Rangers in the semi-final of the newly rebranded Viaplay Cup at 3pm.

There are concerns the replacement bus service will not be able to cope.

SNP politicians from the north-east wrote a letter to Network Rail asking them to postpone the planned rail works.

However, Network Rail has replied saying the “crucial works” must go ahead as it would “disrupt a multi-million pound investment”.

Rangers’ Leon King and Aberdeen’s Luis Lopes at Ibrox on October 29. Image: Rob Casey/ SNS Group.

Works will likely ’cause chaos’

Despite politicians writing that there would be “real issues” for fan transport as well as the police’s ability to keep people safe.

Last weekend a smaller crowd of Aberdeen fans made the journey to Glasgow to play Rangers in the league where they lost 4-1. 

In their letter, politicians said this caused “havoc” on the roads due to the rail strikes that were in place.

They believe that due to the large numbers of fans making the journey down to the cup semi-final there will be a “propensity to cause chaos”.

Who wrote the letter?

The letter was jointly written by SNP politicians Jackie Dunbar MSP, Audrey Nicoll MSP, Stephen Flynn MP,  Kevin Stewart MSP, Kirsty Blackman and MP Richard Thomson MP.

They said it would be “greatly appreciated” by thousands of travelling supporters if they could be rearranged.

Aberdeen fans during a a draw with Ross County in September. Image: Mark Scates/ SNS Group

The Dons eased into the semi-final thanks to a 4-1 victory against Partick Thistle at Pittodrie, while Rangers earned their place in the last four with a narrow 1-0 win against Dundee.

The game will be shown exclusively live on the newly launched Viaplay channel which has taken over all rights held by Premier Sports.

Network Rail bosses must ‘see sense’

Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central said: “Network Rail can make a change here and allow a smooth rail service to run on the day of the semi-final meaning many thousands of Dons supporters can make an undisrupted trip down to Hampden.

Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart is "delighted" the BBC has recognised Aberdeen's "strong case" to host next year's Eurovision. Picture by Kath Flannery/DCT Media.
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart has asked Network rail bosses to act. Picture by Kath Flannery/DCT Media.

“Aberdeen fans are more than used to awkward kick off times and disjointed journeys, but with a dose of goodwill from rail chiefs we can change that.

“Hopefully Network Rail bosses see sense and change the day of the planned works so we see a good Doric day out for thousands of Dons fans.”

Network Rail rejects postponing works

But Network Rail says the plans have been in place since spring, long before the fixtures were decided.

A Network Rail spokeswoman said: “There is never an ideal time to shut the railway.

“We have to carefully balance the best time to do this essential work with the needs of our passengers.

Network Rail has been asked to rearrange their planned works. Mhairi Edwards/DCT Media

“Our engineering works are planned in advance of the football fixtures being known. Unfortunately, there is a clash between our crucial works programme between Aberdeen and Dundee in January.

“These works can’t be deferred as that would disrupt a multi-million pound investment in the railway to replace life-expired track along several sections of the route.”

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