Hearts face wait to learn fate of Motherwell Scottish Cup tie

Hearts face an anxious wait to learn if Sunday's Scottish Cup quarter-final with Motherwell at Fir Park will go ahead. As snow continues to engulf Scotland, severe doubt surrounds all of this weekend's football fixtures.

A blanket of snow covers the area around Motherwell's Fir Park stadium. Pic: SNS

The Tynecastle side are due to kick-off in Lanarkshire at 2.15pm on Sunday afternoon. With roads treacherous, public transport at a standstill and the Fir Park pitch covered in snow, a postponement is a distinct possibility. If that happens, the match would then be rescheduled for this Tuesday evening, March 6, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Hearts officials are liaising with their Motherwell counterparts and will put the safety of players and fans first. Police Scotland are also likely to be involved in discussions about the viability of the game going ahead.

Motherwell staff are attempting to clear the pitch and the surrounding area near Fir Park but the relentless precipitation is making that difficult.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Football Association have insisted every effort is being made to get all this weekend’s quarter-final ties played.

Celtic are due to host Morton tomorrow lunchtime while Kilmarnock travel to Aberdeen for a 3pm kick-off. On Sunday, Rangers face Falkirk at Ibrox (4.15pm).

An SFA spokesperson said: “At this moment in time, all efforts are being made to ensure the William Hill Scottish Cup Sixth Round fixtures go ahead as planned.

“There are no pitch inspections scheduled at this stage but we are in close contact with all clubs, police and local authorities to review all matches on a case by case basis.

“As always, the safety of supporters, players and staff is our top priority.”

This evening’s SPFL Championship match between Dundee United and St Mirren has already been called off on police advice, and a number of tomorrow’s fixtures have also fallen foul of the inclement weather.

St Johnstone’s Premiership match at home to Hamilton is postponed, as is the Championship game between Dunfermline and Livingston at East End Park.

In League One, Airdrie v Stranraer and Albion Rovers v Queen’s Park are both off. In League Two, Berwick Rangers v Stirling Albion, Clyde v Elgin City, Edinburgh City v Cowdenbeath and Peterhead v Stenhousemuir are also postponed.

A statement released by the SPFL yesterday said: “We will contact the clubs involved to reschedule these fixture at a later date. All other SPFL matches remain on at this point but will be reviewed at the earliest opportunity tomorrow morning.”