Fir Park plan for Gers clash
Motherwell plea to cops in bid to avert Gers clash trouble
MOTHERWELL are to approach Police Scotland about opening up Fir Park’s away stand to home fans ahead of tomorrow’s crunch tie with Rangers.
Reports that Rangers fans have bought tickets in the Motherwell section of the stadium have sparked fears of disorder.
MOTHERWELL are set to approach Police Scotland about opening up Fir Park’s away stand to home fans ahead of tomorrow’s crunch tie with Rangers.
Only 1,500 travelling supporters have been allocated tickets within the Lanarkshire ground’s south stand, which holds about 4,800 people.
Reports that Rangers fans have bought tickets in the Motherwell section of the stadium have led to fears over disorder. Following on from Thursday’s play-off final first leg triumph at Ibrox, Motherwell have seen ticket sales go through the roof as fans clamour to see their team see out their current 3-1 advantage.
Yesterday all three stands housing home supporters – the east stand, Davie Cooper Stand and Phil O’Donnell Stand – were on the verge of selling out.
And in a bid to try and accommodate even more of their home followers, Motherwell are understood to be considering selling tickets for vacant sections of the south stand to their fans.
Andy Kerr, President of the Rangers Supporters Assembly, said: “It’s a ridiculous situation created by Motherwell.
“If they had given our fans our full traditional allocation of around 5,000 this situation wouldn’t be happening.”
“Motherwell said they had a robust system to ensure it was only their supporters that got tickets, but I’m hearing rumours Rangers fans have tickets in the Motherwell end so it clearly hasn’t worked.
“There is potential for problems given the tensions involved with this game.”
Superintendent Craig Ritchie said: “Although the ticketing policy is the responsibility of the club, Police Scotland would like to take the opportunity to remind supporters we are working with Motherwell, their stewards and Rangers to ensure only Motherwell fans are permitted into the Motherwell ends of the ground.”