“Disappointing Attendance at Women’s Scottish Cup Semi-Finals Sparks Debate on Venue Choice”

Hearts swept Spartans aside to set up a final clash with Rangers on May 26th, but the focus has shifted to the disappointing attendance numbers at the Women’s Scottish Cup semi-finals.

With fewer than 3,000 fans in attendance for the Rangers vs. Celtic match and under 1,000 for Hearts’ victory over Spartans, Behind the Goals hosts Leanne Crichton and Rachel Corsie expressed their disappointment.

Crichton remarked, “I’d be interested to know how the clubs felt in terms of the atmosphere and what their expectation was. I looked at it as a spectacle on TV and just feel like we’ve missed that opportunity again.”

Corsie, the Scotland captain, was particularly disheartened by the low turnout for the Old Firm clash, stating, “Seeing under 3,000 at a game like that, I don’t think reflects where the game’s at. I don’t think it reflects the support the game does have.”

Both hosts highlighted the success of the English women’s game, with large crowds attending key matches. Corsie noted the lack of a specific strategy in Scotland to boost attendance numbers, contrasting it with the effective approach taken by clubs in England.

Despite the disappointing turnout, Crichton emphasized the importance of playing at Hampden Park, citing the significance of the venue for players and the target of reaching a 10,000 attendance mark.

As the focus shifts to the upcoming final between Hearts and Rangers, the discussion around attendance numbers and strategies to grow the women’s game in Scotland continues to be a key talking point among fans and players alike.