Rail chiefs have been urged to provide more trains for Dons supporters after suggesting fans should “consider their travel options” ahead of this month’s cup semi-final.
ScotRail has issued travel advice for fans travelling to Aberdeen FC’s Scottish League Cup semi-final fixture against Rangers at Hampden Park.
Its guidelines stated the three trains running between the north-east and Glasgow prior to kick off and two trains back to Aberdeen after the match were “expected to be very busy”.
Dons fans have now been “encouraged to consider their travel options”, sparking an angry response from Aberdeen South MP, Ross Thomson.
Mr Thomson said: “It looks as though ScotRail is preparing some Dons fans for disappointment if they want to get to the game by train.
“The best option would, of course, be putting on extra services before and after the game.
“It is a shame some fans will have to spend the best part of a day on the road if they want to take in the match.”
The SPFL prompted an outcry when both semi-final fixtures, Aberdeen v Rangers and Hearts v Celtic, were originally planned to take place at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Sunday, October 28.
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The decision saw a barrage of criticism from clubs, fans, politicians and local newspapers.
Both Evening Express and Edinburgh Evening News joined forces to launch a campaign that would see fans get a fair deal.
The organisation eventually arranged for Celtic to play Hearts at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh instead.
That game will kick off at 1.30pm, and the Dons will be in action at 4.30pm.
ScotRail has confirmed that extra carriages will be added to trains to help fans get to and from the stadiums, along with extra staff.
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart argued the extra carriages would ensure a strong travelling support was able to cheer on the north-east side.
Mr Stewart said: “These extra carriages are very welcome and will play a part in ensuring one end of the Hampden crowd is solid red.
“Trips to Hampden are big occasions and it’s only right that every effort is made to put fans first and make it as easy as possible for them to attend matches.”
ScotRail’s head of customer operations Phil Campbell said: “We will be doing everything we can to keep people moving hassle-free, but supporters should plan their journeys in advance.”
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