Get ready for some edge-of-your-seat football action! The Scottish Cup fifth round is here, and the fixtures are set to ignite the passion of fans across the nation. But here's where it gets controversial—with five matches selected for television broadcast, including clashes involving Celtic, Rangers, and holders Aberdeen, not everyone is happy with the scheduling. And this is the part most people miss: the drama doesn’t just stop on the field. Stranraer, who secured their spot after a penalty shootout win against Queen’s Park, now face potential expulsion due to allegations of fielding an ineligible player. Will they still face Rangers at Ibrox? Only time will tell.
The Scottish FA has officially announced the dates and kick-off times for the fifth round ties, following a weekend of thrilling matches that saw sixteen teams secure their spots. Among the highlights, three games will be broadcast on Premier Sports, accessible via the STV Player (http://player.stv.tv/). Holders Aberdeen kick things off on Saturday, February 7, with a 7.30pm clash against Motherwell, while Celtic’s all-Premiership battle with Dundee starts earlier that day at 5.30pm. Rangers, meanwhile, host their tie at Ibrox on Sunday, February 8, with a 2pm kick-off—assuming Stranraer remain in the competition.
BBC Scotland will also bring two games live to viewers, starting with Airdrieonians’ tie against St Mirren on Friday, February 6 at 7.45pm. The weekend wraps up with Stenhousemuir hosting Falkirk on Sunday at 7.30pm on the same channel. All other fixtures are scheduled for a traditional 3pm kick-off on Saturday, February 7.
Here’s the full lineup of televised games:
- Friday, February 6 2026 (Kick-off 7.45pm) – Airdrieonians v St. Mirren | Live on BBC Scotland
- Saturday, February 7 2026 (Kick-off 5.30pm) – Celtic v Dundee | Live on Premier Sports
- Saturday, February 7 2026 (Kick-off 7.30pm) – Aberdeen v Motherwell | Live on Premier Sports
- Sunday, February 8 2026 (Kick-off 2.00pm) – Rangers v Stranraer* | Live on Premier Sports
- Sunday, February 8 2026 (Kick-off 7.30pm) – Stenhousemuir v Falkirk | Live on BBC Scotland
*Stranraer’s participation is subject to the outcome of the investigation into their alleged rule breach.
Controversy Alert: Should Stranraer be expelled, who should take their place? And does this alleged breach undermine the integrity of the competition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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