Hearts boycott fears evaporate as derby tickets in demand

The threat of a Hearts supporters’ boycott of the New Year derby appears to have evaporated with Hibs today revealing they’ve already sold almost 1400 tickets to fans of the Tynecastle club.

The Easter Road outfit sprang a surprise when they announced they’d be selling briefs for the January 2 clash direct to visiting supporters, claiming it brought arrangements into line with those for their other “Category A” matches.

News that Jambos would be expected to pay £6 for a special delivery service in addition to the £28 cost of a ticket was immediately attacked by Steve Kilgour, secretary of the Federation of Hearts Supporters, who claimed some of his fellow fans had talked of a boycott.

But today, Fife Hyland, Hibs’ managing director, revealed the first week of sales – to Hearts fans holding 90 or more points under their club’s “priority loyalty points system” – had gone well.

And with sales now open to a second group of supporters, those holding between 50 and 80 points, he disclosed around 1400 tickets had already gone.

A further round of sales to Gorgie fans who have between 25 and 49 points will take place from this Saturday with any remaining tickets thereafter going on general sale. However, Hyland believes the strong interest already shown will increase as the points tariff decreases, indicating Hearts’ entire 3,800 allocation is likely to go.

He said: “It’s a New Year’s derby and I am sure a lot of people will be looking forward to coming along.

“It’s a bit different for Hearts supporters but the system is working well and is in line with what we do for the visits of Rangers and Celtic.”

Hyland defended both the ticket price and the cost of special delivery, saying: “Tickets are at our standard Category A price, they went up from £27 to £28 last season because of the rise in VAT.

“Special delivery costs £5.75 and we have rounded it up by 25p to cover the cost of administration.

“We know from experience the most secure and direct means of ensuring supporters get their tickets, particularly at this time of year when the post is very busy, is to use special delivery.

“It’s a cost of £6 whether it’s one ticket or a bulk purchase. It also saves the trouble of having to come down to Easter Road to collect.

“Applications are being dealt with whenever they come in and the tickets sent as quickly as possible.

“We haven’t had any complaints from the Hearts supporters we’ve already dealt with.”