All the talking before the Premier Sports Cup semi-final was over.
Celtic and Aberdeen took to the field of play at Hampden Park this evening and both sides were ready to get going for the 5.30pm kick-off in an attempt to make the first finale showpiece of the season.
As both made their way onto the pitch, the pyrotechnics from the fanbase saw smoke plumes billow across the grass and that prevented the game from being played at its correct time.
Referee Kevin Clancy held back the action due to the pyro show from before the match and visibility issues were cited as to the reasoning given by the whistler.
VAR were believed to be unable to see the pitch properly while the drawing of the lines for offside decisions and other issues of that nature would have been impacted.
But it took just 15 minutes for the smoke to subside and the action was then able to take place with the Dons kicking off from left to right.
The fixture between the two clubs is the big game of the weekend with both sides leading the pack in the Scottish Premiership.
VAR visibility issues were cited for being behind the delay at Hampden
Neither side are beaten in the league thus far with Brendan Rodgers‘ squad sitting top of the division on a superior goal difference.
The last time the two faced off was just last month when Jimmy Thelin’s shock troops rallied after the break to come back from two goals down to nick a point at Parkhead.
Reo Hatate and Kyogo had given the Hoops a convincing lead in the first-half but goals from Ester Sokler and Graeme Shinnie turned the game on its head.
Celtic face Aberdeen for a spot in the Premier Sports Cup Final in December
This evening’s clash at the national stadium is the first of two semis this weekend.
Tomorrow afternoon Motherwell take on Rangers for a chance at the final in December.
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