They may have a point. Two years ago, City Park was at capacity for a cup tie against SPL side Livingston. Why is it suddenly unsafe for Saints?
Apparently, Saints chairman Stewart Gilmour claimed at Friday's meeting that more than 3,000 Saints fans would be expected to travel through to Edinburgh, and those who didn't have tickets would cause trouble outside the ground. A strange accusation (if it was indeed made), and it would suggest that the Saints chairman doesn't have much confidence in his club's supporters.
Another rumour that seems to be doing the rounds is that Saints have been going behind Spartans back all week as they try to negotiate a move to Livingston's ground. Spartans have responded by saying they will try desperately not to get the game moved to an SPL ground, and are investigating staging it at Meadowbank Stadium, Stark's Park in Kirkcaldy or, most impressively, Berwick Rangers' ground! Another option being considered is home to some egg chasing mob.
Of course, the game could still go ahead at City Park if Spartans get their way, and here's hoping it does. If I didn't know better, I'd say Saints are scared of playing there because of the size and quality of the playing surface. Well, by getting the game moved, the opposition will now be more fired up than they would have been. Brilliant!
If the game is moved it sets a bad precedent. Should all small clubs be forced to move their games if a team with more fans than they can cope with comes calling?
From the reports, it seems that Saints haven't exactly covered themselves in glory. The solution? Take the 1,500 tickets that Spartans apparenty upped their offer to, tell the police we'll be fine and play it at City Park.
Story source: The Sunday Mail