Celtic’s allocation at away venues in the Scottish Premiership has become a point of contention for fans in recent years.
With the reigning champions set to travel to Tynecastle this weekend, the Bhoys will have a small travelling support against Hearts, coming to roughly 650 briefs in the Roseburn Stand.
At long last, the Glasgow Derby will permit away fans in Celtic’s last two encounters of the season against Rangers, but that is a discussion for another day, unless you want to be here all day.
Truthfully, the ongoing nature of smaller allocations being introduced among Scottish Premiership clubs is a tiresome debate. Say what you like, but the presence of a following for both sides enriches the spectacle on show as opposed to seats lying empty on matchday.
Now, a rare positive development has come to light on that front that could see Celtic handed more briefs at one top-flight club.
St Johnstone chief on potential for increased Celtic allocation
Speaking to The Daily Record, St Johnstone chief Fran Smith has admitted McDiarmid Park could open the door for more away fans next season due to economic circumstances.
Smith said: “We’ve Rangers in a couple of weeks and Celtic again later in the season. Hopefully there will be another game against Rangers in the top six after that. We were always going to review this at the end of the season. We’ll discuss it as a board and discuss it with fans’ groups again. There are a few options.
Economically, if we’re not going to fill the East Stand, why wouldn’t we think about maximising income? You’re probably talking about being £75k better off for one game, which is a player. Of course, the rest of the board might not agree with me. That’s the important thing. One option is giving St Johnstone fans the Geoff Brown Stand and the Ormond.
We’d make £35k more doing it that way. There’s the possibility of season tickets with and without Old Firm games.”
Celtic fans always follow their team with pride
Despite Celtic fans regularly having to plan around varied kick-off times that are heavily centred around TV coverage, they always make sure their voices are heard whenever the Bhoys are at home or on the road.
Driving the team on, they show the value of away supporters no matter the venue. It would be nice to see that sentimebt reciprocated as the Scottish game looks to market itself to a wider audience.
Hopefully, St Johnstone can follow through on their exploration of an increased number of visiting fans to McDiarmid Park.
