Tam McManus asserts that Hibernian is justified in reducing the away ticket allocations for Rangers and Celtic supporters at Easter Road this season, addressing the conduct of fans from the Glasgow clubs.
The former player commended Hibs for limiting the number of away tickets available to both Old Firm teams, noting that the “usual suspects” are expressing their discontent regarding this decision. Hibs will host Rangers at Easter Road on September 28, while Celtic will visit on August 11, during the second matchday.
In an interview with the Daily Record on August 1, McManus stated, “The usual suspects are expressing their outrage at the Hibs board’s decision to reduce the Old Firm’s ticket allocations at Easter Road. However, I do not hold them accountable.”
“It is not solely the club officials who are frustrated with the behavior of some visiting fans; I am certain that the home supporters share this sentiment. They do not wish to bring their families to matches only to expose them to sectarian abuse, the lighting of flares, and projectiles being thrown onto the pitch.”
“While I am uncertain if reducing the ticket numbers will lead to immediate change, it may at least convey a message. The primary hope is that those additional seats will be filled by Hibs supporters.”
Although McManus did not play for either of the Glasgow giants, he was a member of Hibs from 1997 to 2005.
His remarks are notably critical in his column published on Thursday morning. While previous incidents have lent some accuracy to his statement, particularly following last season’s disturbances involving pyrotechnics at Easter Road, it seems that a minority is negatively impacting the majority.
However, this is not the only factor influencing the decision; clubs aim to enhance their home advantage, especially against the league’s top teams. McManus himself cites St. Mirren and Kilmarnock as examples of clubs that have successfully “reclaimed their stadiums” to their benefit.
The delayed redevelopment of Ibrox has caused Rangers to be absent from their home for the opening weeks of the league season, which has understandably upset their supporters.
In other news related to Rangers, the club is aiming to finalize two signings before an important Thursday deadline for the Champions League.
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