Hibernian Chief Executive Leeann Dempster has expressed her displeasure at the ticket arrangements for their Betfred Cup semi-final clash against Celtic.
The Edinburgh club released a statement last night venting their fury at the decision from the SPFL to slash their allocation after a request to retain a section of concession tickets
These ticket prices included those for children and OAP’s. It now leaves Hibs fans who want to go to the game needing to pay higher prices regardless of their status.
This has clearly left the club fuming with the decision. Reacting to it on Hibernian’s official website, here’s what Dempster had to say:
“Whilst the Club accepts the need to ensure the best possible attendance at showpiece games, it is our view that it would have been reasonable and practicable for the SPFL to accede to our request to retain a higher number of less expensive tickets. The response has been disappointing and frustrating.
“It’s my view that segregation would not have been an issue for the area we requested, and as it is the decision taken means the vast majority of Hibs fans now wishing to go to the game will have to pay the higher price ticket regardless of their age or status.”
Hibs fuming, but Celtic must make fan advantage count
Hibs’ failure to move tickets is a boost for Celtic. The Hoops announced several days ago that more tickets were now available to season-ticket holders who didn’t yet have one. They today announced that even those were sold out.
Celtic have seats in the North, South, and West stands for the cup semi. The winner of the tie will face either Hearts or Rangers in December.
Neil Lennon could secure a quite simply ridiculously impressive achievement for the club if he wins the competition. Should he do it, Celtic would then have won the last 10 domestic trophies in a row. It’s domestic form that deserves elated celebrations.
It would also be a vindication of his appointment. There was plenty of discontent amongst sections of the support when Lenny got the job. However, winning the Betfred Cup – the first trophy on offer – whilst maintaining a lead at the top of the Premiership would be quite the achievement.
Having such an advantage over Hibernian with regards to the supporters is huge for us. Considering the injustice we felt after the 1-1 draw at Easter Road last month too, it looks like being a tasty affair.
You can understand Hibernian’s frustration at how this has panned out. But it’s an advantage we’ve been given and our supporters have earned by selling out the allocation. Here’s hoping it works in our favour come November 2nd.
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