Aberdeen offer to host Hibs and St Johnstone fans in Scottish Cup Final at Pittodrie

Hibs and Aberdeen are jousting for third place in the SPFL Premiership – but the Dons have extended a hand to their Leith rivals, by offering their ground as a potential Scottish Cup final venue.

Pittodrie has been offered up as a potential alternative to Hampden. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Fans of Jack Ross’ side, and St Johnstone, face being locked out of the May 22 game with Hampden handed over to UEFA for Euro 2020 preparations but up to 500 supporters could be able to attend games elsewhere in Scotland from May 17.

That decision is expected to be confirmed shortly, which could mean fans admitted to the SPFL play-off finals later this month – but as Hampden is a Euro venue, the Scottish Cup final would remain behind closed doors. UEFA assume control of the ground next week and have made a special exemption for the delayed cup final to be played – three weeks later than scheduled.

However Aberdeen’s Dave Cormack – a vociferous supporter of bringing fans back into grounds throughout the season – has suggested his club’s home ground for potential use if it means fans could watch the cup final from the stands.

Speaking on BBC Scotland’s The Nine, the Dons chairman said: “Aberdeen FC would be happy to consider Pittodrie being the Scottish Cup final venue if it helped fans get into the stadium and it was something that both teams and the Scottish FA wanted us to do.”

The 22,000-seater stadium has already hosted fans this season – in a one-off trial back in September against Kilmarnock. If his invitation is accepted a limited number of Hibs and Saints fans could head north for the showpiece ending to the season.

Get a year of unlimited access to all The Scotsman's sport coverage without the need for a full subscription. Expert analysis of the biggest games, exclusive interviews, live blogs, transfer news and 70 per cent fewer ads on Scotsman.com - all for less than £1 a week. Subscribe to us today