Red-faced Dons hand back tickets
THE SPFL last night took back more than 5,000 tickets from Aberdeen after the Pittodrie club failed to sell even half of their allocation for the Betfred Cup semi-final against Rangers. Aberdeen were awarded 20,300 tickets for the Hampden fixture a week on Sunday after complaining about an initial allocation of 16,800. However, the Dons yesterday revealed they had only shifted around 9,000 seats for the match, admitting demand had ‘fallen short’ of expectations. That has seen their allocation cut to under 15,000, with Rangers now due to receive a batch of extra tickets. The Pittodrie club still have
5,500 to sell and say they will have ‘access to a further allocation if we demonstrate additional demand in the next few days’. Aberdeen had fiercely protested against the original noon scheduling of the semi-final, branding it ‘appalling’ for their travelling support. The SPFL relented and shifted to a 4.30pm start, also moving the other semi-final, between Hearts and Celtic, to BT Murrayfield. But the decision to change the kick-off time has not brought the anticipated response from Aberdeen fans. ‘With just over a week to go until our Betfred Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden Park, just over 9,000 tickets have been sold to The Red Army,’ said a club statement. ‘Despite strong initial sales, particularly from our supporters’ clubs, overall ticket sales for the match have fallen short of the demand expected. ‘Given current sales figures, with the SPFL recording less than 100 being sold by Aberdeen Football Club today, the SPFL have now taken back certain sections of the East Stand. ‘In return, the SPFL will issue the club with an additional allocation of seats in the South Stand Upper and Lower tickets. ‘This will necessitate the relocation of some supporters to alternative seats. ‘The club will be in touch with any affected fans to finalise
arrangements.’ Speaking yesterday, Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes reiterated his wish for more fans to snap up the remaining tickets, but also claimed he was keen to focus on football after so much rancour surrounding the build-up to the semi-final. ‘I’m just hoping we can get as many in the stadium as possible,’ said McInnes. ‘There seems to be more focus on the tickets, kickoff time and all the rest of it than there is on the game. ‘Regardless of how many of our supporters are there, it is just about the game next week. ‘I have said all along it does not matter where we play and when we play. ‘We just get told what we have got to do. ‘But, for our supporters, it was important to get a better kick-off time and we have got that. ‘Hopefully we can see an increase in sales that will bolster our support on the day.’ Rangers, who were given an initial allocation of just under 26,000, confirmed they would receive more tickets as a result of yesterday’s decision by Aberdeen. A club statement added: ‘It is expected that these tickets will be received tomorrow. ‘Once the number is confirmed we will decide how to allocate these tickets, with previously unsuccessful season-ticket holders on the continuous credit card scheme receiving priority.’