Rangers must take first step to stop away trend after laughable Hearts allocation
Rangers will have it all to do to get a result against Hearts, as their numbers will be extremely limited in the stands at Tynecastle.
The Gers are looking to pip the Jam Tarts to the Scottish Premiership title, and the fixture in Edinburgh could be a defining game in the race.
In this campaign, Hearts have got the advantage over Rangers, beating them on two occasions compared to just one win for the Glasgow outfit.
However, Danny Rohl‘s side did win the most recent clash at Ibrox.
Nonetheless, getting the job done at Tynecastle will be no easy task, and the reduced away end is further highlighted by the sheer demand for Rangers’ matchup against Hearts.
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Demand for Rangers’ trip to Tynecastle hits mammoth figure
According to Rangers’ Supporters Liaison Officer via X, more than 16,900 people applied for tickets for Rangers’ trip to Edinburgh.
However, due to Hearts’ reduced away allocation at Tynecastle, only 576 fans were successful in the ballot.
| Tynecastle allocation | Total |
| Capacity | 19,852 |
| Share of away tickets | 3% |
The post stated: “Over 16,900 supporters registered for the club’s allocation of 576 tickets. Registration for 14 prior domestic away fixtures this season was required to be included in the ballot.”
The surge in demand is clear, as back in the December fixture in Edinburgh, 12,800 people registered on that occasion.
Fans would have been hoping for more due to the title being on the line, but in truth the ticket share comes as little surprise.
In Scottish football, the trend of reducing away tickets has been common, and perhaps Rangers could take the first step in nipping it in the bud.
Having less away support lessens the drama in matches and, in doing so, makes Scottish football an overall worse product.
Rangers have little room to complain about ticket allocation
Although fans would want more tickets available, the Bears don’t exactly have a leg to stand on. Rangers themselves offer around five per cent of their ground on average.
Reduced allocation worsens the experience for away fans across the board and, in truth, goes against the spirit of the game.
Perhaps ahead of next season, Rangers could offer an olive branch and offer an increased allocation of their own at Ibrox, and in return the favour would be reciprocated.
Things don’t look likely to change unless one party makes the first move.
Of course, there may be understandable pushback after the unsavoury scenes in the Old Firm at Ibrox. But it is worth a try.
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