St Johnstone fans have clashed on social media after their club made the decision to increase the ticket allocation for away supporters when Rangers and Celtic come to town.
In a statement released early on Friday afternoon, Saints stated their intention to open up three of the four stands at McDiarmid Park to fans of the Old Firm clubs.
It means that home fans will be confined to the West stand, with those holding season tickets elsewhere in the ground, having to temporarily give up their seats.
According to their statement on perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk., with the move, the Premiership club are hoping to, amongst other things, increase the ‘comfort of our fans creating a partisan atmosphere’ and increase ticket income ‘to balance the increased spend on our playing squad.’
It’s the opposite of the approach adopted by fellow top-flight club Kilmarnock in recent times and it’s led to disagreements amongst St Johnstone supporters. Some feel it’s a betrayal and others see it as a logical and sound business decision.
Here’s a selection of reactions from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Marc_jf10/status/1213080013001633793
One thing that isn’t in any doubt is that the move is positive for Rangers.
More Bears will now be able to travel to Perth for away games, and the atmosphere will be even more favourable for Steven Gerrard’s side, who are unbeaten away from home in the league this season.
The Gers’ next trip to McDiarmid Park is scheduled for Sunday 23rd February.
