McKinlay hopeful of away fans at Old Firm
Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay hopes away supporters will be allowed into Old Firm grounds before his side’s trip to Ibrox next month.
Neither Celtic nor Rangers have allowed the visit of away fans
for Premiership matches – due to the relocation of their seasonticket holders to accommodate Covid-19 red zones.
The Jambos are scheduled to visit Ibrox on October 16 and have lodged a formal complaint to the SPFL board about the lack of provision for away fans.
So too have Motherwell while Hibs will have no travelling support as they make the trip along the M8 to Ibrox today.
McKinlay told BBC Sportsound he was hopeful the matter could be resolved before their clash with Rangers.
The Hearts chief said: “We have queried that. We have been in discussions both with the league but also with Rangers and we are hopeful we can come to a positive
resolution about that matter this week.
“The issues are to do with red zones and the fans who have been displaced have been moved into areas where traditionally those would be occupied by away supporters. That’s been the thing that has caused the main issues.
“I am standing here right next to our red zone at Tynecastle so I know how many seats we lose for that.
“I know Rangers and Celtic lose quite a lot of seats as well.
“But I am still hoping we can get to a place where things are positive.”
McKinlay believes that red zones could be phased out and added: “We’re hopeful there will be a decrease fairly soon.
“I know there has been a lot of talk about both Celtic and Rangers having away fans in for Europe. One of the reasons for that is the UEFA guidelines on red zones are different from the domestic ones.
“I think most clubs are in a position where we would like to see red zones reduced to an extent which would help this issue.”