The draw for the second round took place at Tynecastle Park following the conclusion of the Heart of Midlothian-Inverness Caledonian Thistle match on 29 July 2018.
As a result, the SPFL - who had previously committed to using Hampden as the venue for the League Cup semi-finals and final - consulted with the four clubs involved, competition broadcaster BT Sport and Police Scotland to find a solution which may have included playing one match at Murrayfield Stadium or a change in date.
[28] The SPFL are contractually obliged to use Hampden Park as the venue for the semi-finals of the League Cup when Rangers or Celtic are involved or an attendance of over 20,000 is expected.
[30] Aberdeen released a statement to confirm their "dismay" that their match would kick-off at a "completely unacceptable" time for their supporters.
[28] Heart of Midlothian manager Craig Levein said that playing both semi-finals at Hampden on the same day is the "craziest thing", "beyond belief" and "madness"[32] and, in a statement released by the club, chairwoman Ann Budge said she had asked the SPFL if they could be released from their contract with Hampden Park Ltd as a result of the "very special circumstances" and was then told a formal request by the SPFL had been unsuccessful.
[33][30] On 2 October 2018, Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said that they were "aware of issues and concerns" regarding the semi-final arrangements.
[34] As a result, the SPFL are reported to be considering moving the Heart of Midlothian-Celtic semi-final to Murrayfield Stadium pending a meeting with Police Scotland.