LEIGH GRIFFITHS is at the centre of controversy in Australia after his new club hiked up ticket prices by over three times their usual rate ahead of his debut for Mandurah City on Saturday.
The former Celtic and Scotland star will play for the minnows in Australian football's third tier this weekend against Western Knight on a short-term deal and will attempt to put himself in the shop window for A-League clubs, with Perth Glory strongly linked with him.
Semi-pro side Mandurah have made the match all-ticket and limited the capacity of their Genesis Care Stadium to 1,000 for safety reasons, but they have significantly increased their prices from the usual six Australian dollars (£3.50) to 20 Australian dollars (£11.70), which has caused a backlash Down Under.
And that's caused league bosses - Football West - to intervene. Football West stated: "Our State League competition rules state that a general entry admission fee of $6 may be charged for a Division One match.
"Football West expects all clubs to comply with competition rules.”
But the club's Scottish boss, former Raith Rovers hero John Baird, admits the signing of Griffiths has been a huge boost for the club ahead of his bow.
He said: "There's been massive interest in us since we announced he was signing.
"He was training with Livingston and I suggested to him to come out here and train with us. He asked if he could play a couple of games for us when he was over here and that's turned into world news! It's been everywhere.
"It's been good for the club and it will be good for my players to play with someone of his calibre.
"He's had offers in the UK, but it was more about him coming out here and trying a new experience. He's only just turned 32 and is still in his peak. Players can play until they are 40 now.
"I'm sure A-League clubs like Perth Glory will be looking at him. There's no doubt he would enhance the league.
"Saturday's game has been capped at 1,000 for safety issues and it should be a fantastic occasion."
