Scottish Soccer: SFA confirm cup tie at Falkirk

The Scottish Football Association have confirmed the Scottish Cup third round tie between Alloa and Celtic will be played at Falkirk.

Central Scotland police advised that Second Division Alloa could not stage the game at their Recreation Park ground and the SFA emergency committee met this morning to consider the alternatives.

The committee have decided that Brockville meets all the requirements for staging the game.

An SFA spokesman said: ‘‘The committee considered all aspects of the tie, and reached their decision after taking into account the opinions and advice of the police and both clubs, as well as the smooth running of the competition.

‘‘It is very much in the spirit of the competition that ties should be played at the home club’s ground if at all possible and, if not, then it should be at the nearest suitable ground, and not played at an alternative venue for purely commercial reasons.

‘‘There was clear advice from Central Scotland Police that Brockville Park meets the requirements for a safe and secure venue, and is therefore a suitable stadium for this tie to take place.

‘‘We are sure it will host an attractive cup tie.’’

Alloa had hoped to stage the game at Fir Park but the Motherwell ground is out of the jurisdiction of Central Scotland Police which is part of the criteria for a ground switch in the Scottish Cup.