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HIBS hero John Brownlie has slammed Rangers for stirring up bad blood between the clubs ahead of a final-day showdown at Easter Road.
But the former Scotland defender also believes the decision to cut the allocation for Gers fans from 3900 to 1500 is an “aggressive” move which could incite trouble.
Ibrox chiefs reacted to the news their ticket share would be more than halved by releasing an emotive statement which promised future consequences and highlighted safety concerns.
It said: “First and foremost Rangers hope the safety of our fans will not be compromised by this decision which beggars belief. Rangers will of course bear in mind Hibs’ decision when considering ticketing arrangements for future matches – both home and away – against this particular club.”
The powderkeg fixture could decide which team finishes second in the league.
And Brownlie is concerned friction between the teams is at an all-time high on the back of crowd trouble after Hibs beat the Light Blues in the Scottish Cup Final two years ago.
He said: “Rangers have had
their ticket allocation cut and it’s not helping the ill-feeling which already exists between the clubs.
“It’s quite an aggressive move towards the Rangers support and I just hope people can behave themselves. “Nobody should fear going to a game of football.
“I don’t know the reason for the allocation cut and it’s a strange one as Hibs give all clubs visiting Easter Road the stand to the right as the players come out of the tunnel.
“I’ve never seen a split like this before for an Old Firm or Hearts game.
“The Rangers statement only serves to drive a further wedge into relations between the clubs but this move from Hibs to cut the tickets doesn’t help them either from a PR point of view.
“I have absolute sympathy for the Rangers fans as they would expect their full quota as would Hibs for a game at Ibrox if it was reversed.
“But the statement only has a rabble rousing impact on their fans as they clearly don’t like this being done to them.
“They believe they could fill that south stand and more.”
Brownlie admits the importance of this clash will
only increase the red-hot temperature of an Easter Road collision which is now set to reach fever pitch.
And he fears there could be problems if Gers fans get their hands on tickets for the Hibs section. Brownlie said: “I don’t know where this intense rivalry has risen from as it only really came to light at the Scottish Cup Final. I have never known it as fierce as this.
“Both clubs could handle things with a bit more sensitivity as the fear is some Rangers fans will find ways to access the stadium.
“It always happens that they will get in some way.
“If their allocation has been cut then they’ll get into places where they shouldn’t be.
“It has the potential for trouble. It may not work out that way but we will need to see how the next few games pan out, before they meet on May 13.
“Rangers are upset and we’ll now see what happens.”
Brownlie admits Hibs are trying to load things in their favour by having as many of their own fans as possible inside the stadium for a game which could have huge implications.
He said: “Hibs are looking at it from their own point of view and are trying to help their own fans by making more tickets available to them. “Whether that’s a good thing in the long run, I’m not so sure. “This could well be a crucial game as it looks like things are going down to the wire. “It could be the game which decides who finishes second in the Premiership and which side gets into Europe. “Irrespective of the pride at stake this could well be a huge game for both clubs. To finish second behind Celtic would signal a major step forward for either club.”