Hearts & Killie Fired Up For Tynecastle Clash

Last updated : 15 September 2009 By The Scotsman
A blaze in the tower between the Wheatfield and Gorgie Stands just before the Europa League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb on 27 August forced that match to be played under three floodlights, and the same will now happen for the SPL clash.

The game was rearranged for tonight after Kilmarnock's team bus was held up caused by another fire - a lorry on the M8 motorway on its way to Edinburgh on Saturday.

A Hearts spokesperson said: "When we took the decision to reschedule for tomorrow on Saturday, Kilmarnock's management team were aware of the floodlight situation and were comfortable with it, as was referee Willie Collum and the Scottish Premier League who have formally granted permission.

"Kilmarnock's assistant manager Billy Brown attended the Dinamo Zagreb fixture and was satisfied with the situation having seen it first hand. "Although on the night there had been some concern about the lighting levels, in the end it did not prove to be too much of a problem for the players, supporters and TV cameras.

 "Following the compilation of a detailed incident report, it is now clear that there was some very severe damage done to the floodlights.

 "Work will begin this week to repair 28 of the 44 bulbs on the tower, which requires rewiring.

"We hope that this work will be completed by the time Dunfermline visit for next week's Co-operative Insurance Cup tie.

 "The other 16 bulbs are effectively un-repairable and all wiring systems must be completely replaced."