Celtic opponents make ‘difficult and extremely disappointing decision’ to move venue for Scottish Cup clash
The Hoops are set to play their fourth round match away to Auchinleck Talbot in late January.
As Celtic were drawn against a side six tiers below them in the Scottish Football pyramid, Police Scotland have demanded a change of venue.
Auchinleck Talbot usually play their home matches at Beechwood Park, however this will not be the case for the Celtic Scottish Cup fixture, as the East Ayrshire club announced a change of venue. They made the ‘difficult and extremely disappointing decision’ to switch after discussions with the local council, Police Scotland and the SFA.
Talbot have hosted the likes of Hearts and Ayr United at their 4,000 capacity home stadium in recent years, which includes 500 seats. However, the Celtic game will take place a 20 minute drive up the road at Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park - which holds up to 18,000 fans.
Auchinleck Scottish Cup tie change venue
An Auchinleck Talbot club statement read: “following various meetings and lengthy discussions involving East Ayrshire Council, Police Scotland, and the Scottish Football Association, the club has taken the difficult & extremely disappointing decision to relocate our Men’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup 4th Round tie v Celtic F.C to BBSP Rugby Park.
“Although Beechwood Park meets and goes beyond the SFA Club Licensing Entry Level criteria in certain areas, various concerns the club could not ignore arose in relation to the ability of the surrounding infrastructure to cope with such a high-profile event that has brought worldwide interest to the village of Auchinleck & Auchinleck Talbot F.C.
“We can confirm that the tie will take place on Sunday 18th January 2026 with a 5.30pm Kick Off. Further details regarding fixture arrangements will be released in due course. The club thanks East Ayrshire Council Events & Resilience, Police Scotland, Scottish Football Association, Celtic F.C. & Kilmarnock F.C. for their input and assistance during this process.”
Talbot vs Celtic set for the big screen
Auchinleck secured their place in the fourth round hat with a 4-0 victory away to Scottish League Two’s Dumbarton. When the draw was made, Talbot manager Tommy Sloan said he would want the tie to be at Beechwood for ‘selfish reasons’, but is no longer getting his desire. However, the fork-lift driver got his wish that the tie would be televised.
An SFA statement read: “it has also been confirmed that Auchinleck Talbot’s match against Celtic will take place at Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park, on Sunday, 18 January at 5.30pm. The decision for this match to be relocated away from Auchinleck’s Beechwood Park was taken following a request from Auchinleck Talbot who had received advice from Police Scotland. That match will take place on Premier Sports.”
At this point in time, next year’s Auchinleck tie will be the last thing on Wilfried Nancy’s mind as he prepares his side for a mammoth fixture in the other cup competition. Celtic face St Mirren on Sunday afternoon in the Premier Sports Cup final in what is a must-win game for the Frenchman, who has suffered back-to-back defeats in his first two matches.