Major Scottish Cup draw switch as 157-statement explains Celtic tie call and 5 games picked for TV
Non-league side forced relocate 14 miles away for glamour match
Auchinleck Talbot have taken the “difficult” decision to move their Scottish Cup fourth round tie against Celtic away from Beechwood Park on the grounds on security.
The West of Scotland League Premier Division side were paired with the Glasgow giants in the draw and had hoped to stage the game at their own stadium, which has a capacity of around 4,000 people.
However, following meetings with the relevant authorities, Auchinleck say “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”. As a result, the match will be played 14 miles away at Rugby Park, the home of Kilmarnock, which has a capacity of just over 15,000.
The tie has been picked for live television broadcast by Premier Sports and will be played on Sunday, January 18 at 5.30pm.
An 157-word statement from Auchinleck 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.”
TV games selected for Scottish Cup
Four other Scottish Cup fourth round ties have been selected for live broadcast.
Rangers will kick off the action when they host Annan Athletic at Ibrox on Friday, January 16. Premier Sports will show the game on TV and kick off will be at 7.45pm.
There are two televised ties on Saturday, January 17. Dunfermline Athletic v Hibs will take place at East End Park with a 12.30pm kick-off, live on BBC, while later that day, Hearts face Falkirk at Tynecastle with an 8pm start, live on Premier Sports.
Holders Aberdeen play Raith Rovers on Sunday, January 18 at Pittodrie with a 2.30pm kick-off, live on BBC.
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