Why Hearts have cut Celtic’s Tynecastle ticket allocation as Old Firm side hit out
Glasgow outfit not happy with decision to change arrangements
Hearts have cut Celtic’s ticket allocation for their Premiership clash at Tynecastle later this month on security grounds, the Evening News can reveal.
The teams are set to play on Sunday, November 29 in Gorgie - their first meeting in Edinburgh this term and the first time Celtic have visited Hearts since the controversial end to last season’s title race.
Celtic pipped Hearts to the league title on the final day of last season by defeating them 3-1 at Parkhead thanks to late goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand.
The dramatic conclusion to the match was marred by ugly scenes when some Celtic fans invaded the pitch and accosted Hearts players, who were forced to hastily depart the scene and leave Glasgow still in their kit, unable to conduct post-match media duties.
Hearts have since played Celtic since that game in May, losing 7-1 to Martin O’Neill’s side in October. However, this will be their first trip to Tynecastle since last season and the home side have reduced the away allocation to just 508 tickets.
The Evening News has learned that Hearts want to ensure the safety of every supporter inside the Roseburn Stand and have made the cut to ensure there is adequate segregation between the two sets of fans.
A statement from Hearts given to this publication read: “As part of the security arrangements for this fixture, we have increased the segregation within the away section at Tynecastle. This will result in a reduction in the visiting allocation and is intended to help ensure the match can be managed safely and effectively.”
Celtic earlier on Thursday expressed their “surprise and disappointment” at the reduction after explaining the ticketing arrangements to their own fanbase on Thursday night.
In a statement, Celtic wrote: “We have been informed by Heart of Midlothian FC that we will receive an allocation of 508 tickets for our forthcoming match at Tynecastle Stadium at the end of this month.
“Clearly we are surprised and disappointed at this move, which represents another cut of around 20% on our previous allocation and follows significant reductions across recent years.
“However, to be very clear, this is outwith our control and is the decision of the home club.”
With demand exceptionally high for matches at Tynecastle, Hearts have eaten into away allocations over the past few years - including those of both Celtic and Rangers.
However, they have remained committed to giving Hibs the full Roseburn Stand in a reciprocal agreement that ensures both clubs have full supports behind the goal for Edinburgh derbies at Tynecastle and Easter Road.