Hibs have failed to shift their full allocation of tickets for the Premier Sports Cup final despite calling for a 50-50 split.
Easter Road chiefs were initially angered after being handed just 17,000 Hampden briefs for Sunday’s showcase before being granted an extra 2,000 for the Leith faithful.
But as of Wednesday morning they still had 500 unsold tickets – and callers reckon the Edinburgh outfit should pipe down having bitten off more than they can chew.
Scott Pool, Lenzie, said: “What a cheek Hibs have got demanding half the stadium when they can’t even fill 19,500 seats. Their decision will mean hundreds of Celtic fans will be denied their chance to see their side lift a trophy. It’s a disgrace.”
And Ross McDonald added: “The SPFL need to get serious about ticket allocations. Why should a club that can barely fill its own grounds most weeks be given equal treatment to Celtic, who play in front of the biggest crowd in Scotland week after week?”
But Hibs fan John Scott, Grassmoor, isn’t having any of those gripes.
He said: “All I hear is people saying it’s a disgrace that Hibs are bumping their gums about 50/50 splits yet they can't sell 19,500 tickets for a final against Scotland’s finest.
"Meanwhile back in the real world, 19,000 Hibees are heading to Hampden having dumped their manager the same week. Just how many Celtic fans would be screaming for final tickets if their team had been on a league run like Hibs? Two lost games in a row for them and the Hotline is jammed.
“Rather than poking Hibs for still having 500 tickets unsold, how about commending the 19,000 for their loyalty and optimism? Now how refreshing would that be.”
Aberdeen fan William Masson, Aboyne, reckons the timing of the final stinks – among other things.
He said: “Dave Cormack is confident of boosting the coffers of Scottish football and we’d all welcome that. However some kind of reconstruction should also be on the cards to reduce the fixture list so fans don’t have to shell out money for six or seven games in December and a cup final six days before Christmas.”
Shaun Maloney may end up leading Hibs out at Hampden if he gets the nod to replace Jack Ross.
Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus, said: “I was surprised to see Shaun Maloney in the frame for the Hibs job. He is well thought of on mainland Europe as a coach, he’s replacing a very good coach. Well done Ron Gordon.”
Now for some Old Firm bickering.
Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack has played his final game of 2021 after suffering yet another injury set-back.
And Gers fan John Bruce said: “Almost daily, we hear Celtic bleating about their 'injury crisis' – because, as we all know, there are no other teams that suffer injuries during the season.
“But little is said of the important players that Rangers have lost to injury. Ryan Jack has been out since February, Filip Helander has been out for months, Leon Balogan has been out for weeks and Kemar Roofe is out injured again. These are first pick, first team players and make up almost half a team. But Rangers haven't played the victim card – we’ve just got on with it and used our excellent squad to stay top of the league.”
Chris Lowe, Yoker, said: “I’m concerned for the safety of the Rangers players at the upcoming Old Firm game especially at Celtic’s out of control corner of the ground.
“If our players are struck with missiles like Hearts players were then I hope they walk off and let the SFA deal with the fallout.
“With the recent pitch invasions at their European game and the now plethora of incidents at Buckfast corner I fear the worst when Rangers come calling as they can’t handle being second best.”
Celtic fan Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “With Rangers finally drawing a team from the big four leagues let’s see how they fare when they're not playing the usual cannon fodder they’ve been drawn against. Celtic have taken on and beaten teams like Lazio, Betis and RB Leipzig who were second top of the Bundesliga so let’s see if this Rangers team can equal our efforts.”
Brian McColligan added: “Your daily correspondent Chris Lowe seems to watch Celtic more than his own team. VAR would not have awarded a penalty for the Tony Watt challenge as it was actually an offside decision.”
