Celtic have confirmed that their allocation for McDiarmid Park has been cut ahead of the Boxing Day clash between the two sides.
The pair will meet in Perth a day after Christmas in a game that will be screened live by Sky Sports. However, the Hoops won’t have their normal allocation for the fixture that they’ve come to expect in recent years.
Towards the end of the 2019/20 campaign, Celtic were handed 3 stands at McDiarmid. This saw Saints supporters being based in the Main/West Stand [St Johnstone]. However, it looks as though that won’t be the case this time around, with Celtic’s allocation having been cut:
Celtic have allocated tickets to season ticket holders who have attended 2 SPFL away matches this season. There was also a ballot between those who have attended 1 away match this term.
Celtic had no fans at McDiarmid last season due to the Covid pandemic. However, Rangers were handed a reduced allocation with Saints fans occupying the East Stand earlier this term.
It looks as though the Hoops will get similar treatment this time around. McDiarmid Park has a capacity of just over 10,000.
Celtic see away fan reduction for McDiarmid Park
It’s unfortunate. Celtic fans always make a brilliant atmosphere and the more that get allowed into away stadiums, the better the noise level will be for it.
Of course, this is a St Johnstone decision and one that can’t be argued with. They’re quite entitled to give their supporters an increased capacity if they believe it can be filled. And they’ll likely believe it will give them a sporting advantage too.
After all, Saints impressed against Rangers when they gave their fans both the East and West stands respectively. They came close to snatching something from the game, with the Ibrox club needing a penalty to be bailed out in a 2-1 win.
Celtic will of course be hoping for a less stressful trip on Boxing Day. We certainly want to keep the momentum going heading into what can always be a banana-skin tie at any stage of the season.
Celtic found St Johnstone stuffy opposition in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final. Fingers crossed then that lessons have been learned and we deal with the trip to Perth more comfortably.
But unfortunately, it’ll have to be done in front of a smaller away support than we’re used to at McDiarmid.
In other news, The ex-Celtic striker going through a class 2021 renaissance; top of league’s scoring charts
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