Neil Doncaster has agreed to hold talks to discuss compensation for the East Fife fans who travelled in vain to Dublin for an Irn-Bru Cup tie that was never played.
The Fifers were due to face Irish side Bohemians in a quarter-final match at Dalymount Park 11 days ago but the game was called off less than 10 minutes before kick-off as large parts of the pitch were frozen.
The Scottish Football Supporters’ Association believe that a payment should be made to fans who travelled to cover their costs, with a spokesperson advising that Doncaster, the chief executive of the Scottish Professional Football League, has agreed to meet to discuss their proposal.
Bohemians have now withdrawn and avoided restaging the game, leaving the Methil men to take on Ross County in Dingwall in the last four of the competition this Friday night.
An SFSA spokesperson said: “Whilst East Fife have a chance to potentially recoup some of their costs by advancing to the next round, around 250 fans have been left with a very bitter taste in their mouths regarding the postponement.
“Many supporters feel having non-Scottish representation in the tournament has positive aspects but this game in particular has exposed some of the flaws.
“As it remains an experimental format the supporters should not be made to pay for its frailties.
“In this instance the experiment failed and the supporters have been left around £250 per person out of pocket for their trouble.
“It seems harsh that ordinary fans are left out of pocket given these circumstances. We believe that it would be sensible and honourable to offer some sort of ex gratia payment for those who can provide proof of travel.
“We are delighted to report that in the first step in lobbying for this, the SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster will meet with us to discuss this.”
