Motherwell to battle for ‘free’ entry in play-offs

MOTHERWELL last night vowed to go to battle with the SPFL over the issue of free entry to the Premiership play-offs for season-ticket holders. And the Fir Park side are set to win powerful backing for their revolt from Championship promotion challengers Rangers and Hibernian. Under existing rules, the SPFL are entitled to take 50 per cent of the gate proceeds from the six play-off ties for redistribution among the clubs. But a bid by the league board to force play-off finalists to charge all fans a minimum price of £15 for the play-off ties was withdrawn at a meeting last Thursday. Expressing unease among the play-off finalists that the SPFL might be using the ties to milk supporters, Motherwell general manager Alan Burrows told Sportsmail his club will make a stand if they finish in the

Premiership play-off place. ‘All our focus at Motherwell in the next four games is fully on avoiding the play-offs altogether,’ said Burrows. ‘We fully accept and appreciate that there are rules on this in place. ‘But, in the eventuality that we are in 11th place come the play-offs, then it is not our intention to charge our seasonticket holders for the play-off final at Fir Park. ‘We believe we have sold them tickets which entitle them to the full story of the season.’ Rangers sources said last night that the club have yet to reach a final decision on whether to seek an SPFL exemption which would allow them to let their 25,000 season ticket holders into play-off games for free. Hibs gained a one-off dispensation to give their most loyal fans free admission to last season’s home play-off clash with Hamilton. Sportsmail understands, however, that SPFL lawyers have already warned clubs that attempts to do the same this season will be strongly resisted as it would constitute a breach of league rules. Last week, a resolution by Hibs and Motherwell to have the 50-per-cent levy on play-off gates cut in half was defeated. Accused of a cash grab to keep more of the play-off cash, Hibs argue their main concern is that fans are being fleeced to atone for the absence of a league sponsor for the last two seasons. Asked if he expects a fight on the matter from league chiefs, Burrows admitted: ‘Based on what has gone previously, then yes.’