Fans angry after cup game called off after kick-off time

Supporters were left angry after Tuesday's KDM Evolution Trophy match between Queen of the South and Dunfermline Athletic was postponed 10 minutes after the match was due to kick off.

It was one of six matches in total out of 13 last-32 ties called off amid heavy winds and rain caused by Storm Bram, which brought gusts of up to 90mph.

But the decision at Palmerston Park in Dumfries was especially late, with Dunfermline posting on X at 19:26 GMT, 20 minutes before kick-off, that: "Due to some of the Queen of the South players being stuck in traffic, there has been a delay to kick off."

Queens followed up by saying the referee had also been held up.

Shortly after 19:00, Dunfermline had posted that they had arrived at the stadium and that: "The officials are checking the conditions in Dumfries."

However, at 19:48, they added: "Due to safety concerns and high winds, the match officials have called the game off.

"We apologise to the supporters who made the long journey to Dumfries."

A number of fans replied, saying it was "a disgrace" that the postponement had come so late when strong winds had been been forecast and that they had made the 200-mile round trip for nothing.

Partick Thistle also shared their supporters' disappointment that the Glasgow side's match in Aberdeen against Cove Rangers was postponed at 18:30.

"We share the frustrations felt by our supporters who have travelled to Cove Rangers," they said.

"The pitch at the Balmoral Stadium is playable. However, shortly after the team arrived, the match official deemed the wind to be excessive and called the game off."

Matches between Elgin City and East Fife, Hearts B v St Johnstone, Queen's Park v Clyde and Montrose v Spartans were also postponed.

In matches that did go ahead, there were wins for Airdrieonians, Arbroath, Ayr United, Forfar Athletic, Raith Rovers, Ross County, Stenhousemuir, Stirling Albion and Stranraer.

The KDM Evolution Trophy is the rebranded Scottish Challenge Cup, which this season was played in a Champions League-style format by teams from lower leagues and Premiership B teams, with those who qualified joining Championship sides in the knock-out stages.

KDM Evolution Trophy scores and details.