St Johnstone have been forced into an embarrassing climb-down on their away ticket allocation with Celtic fans set to benefit next month.
The McDiarmid Park club had previously slashed Celtic’s away ticket allocation in a bid to encourage a larger home support to grow and build this season.
Celtic were given just 4,390 tickets for the fixture back in September, whilst much of the stadium remained empty.
With the champions elect due to visit in April and knowing Celtic could win the league on that day, St Johnstone have now backpedalled and bowed to financial pressure as the consequence of cutting the away ticket allocation comes home to roost.
St Johnstone admit cutting Celtic’s away ticket allocation has been an embarrassing failure
In a statement released on St Johnstone’s official website the club said, “We wish to provide supporters with an update regarding ticket allocation for our upcoming William Hill Premiership fixture against Celtic on Sunday, April 6th.
“As supporters will recall, and as was announced earlier in the season, a working group has been in the process of evaluating our policies for Celtic and Rangers matches at McDiarmid Park.
“During this time, we have undertaken several measures to encourage higher attendance and make our fans feel safe and welcome. Despite these efforts, attendance at Celtic and Rangers games has not increased.
“The April 6th Celtic match has the potential for unique issues. There is increased interest in this game, and there is legitimate concern that Celtic supporters could obtain tickets in home fan areas, creating additional safety issues. We believe it is thus prudent to consolidate our support in the Geoff Brown Stand.
St Johnstone buckle to financial pressure as Celtic get unexpected ticket bonus
Citing safety issues seems a bit extreme, but reading further into the statement, the real reason for the climbdown becomes apparent.
“We always strive to create the best possible home advantage for our team,” continued the statement, ” but, in addition to the safety of our fans, we must also consider the financial realities that come with operating as a sustainable football club.
“Substantial additional revenue will be earned from allowing Celtic fans to fill the East Stand, revenue that will benefit our player budget for next season.
“As a result, and following lengthy discussions, we can confirm that away supporters will be allocated the East Stand, North Stand and Ormond Stand. As there are accessible seating areas in the East Stand, we will not be required to sell tickets to away fans in the Geoff Brown Stand.”
Whilst no one likes to see clubs talking about financial difficulties, it’s not hard to see that this weird trend by some SFPL clubs of cutting Celtic’s away allocations is simply not working.
Most stadiums are barely half-full when the Scottish champions come to visit and when there is demand to sell tickets to earn that extra revenue, refusing to do so does not make sound business sense.
With Celtic fans now getting to occupy three stands within McDairmid Park, the potential for a big title party beckons if the Hoops can beat Rangers this coming Sunday.
