Hibs are expected to return 500 unsold League Cup Final tickets to the SPFL.
After getting an initial allocation of 17,500 tickets the Edinburgh side went on the warpath about the unfairness of not getting a 50-50 split with Celtic despite taking just over 10,000 fans to their semi-final.
Having taken close to 40,000 fans to their semi-final win against St Johnstone Celtic fans were far from happy with the prospect of a 50-50 split pointing out how Hibs had left Hampden with thousands of empty seats at the 2017 League Cup semi final between the two clubs.
An additional allocation of 2,000 tickets was handed to Hibs, believed to be Debenture seats priced at £50 but as many as 500 are unsold according to the Daily Mail:
Hibs had cited ‘sporting integrity’ and a ‘history of selling out tickets for cup finals’ when they questioned why Hoops fans were being allowed almost twice as much space at Hampden.
The Edinburgh club claimed their ‘persistence with the SPFL paid off’ when they met their request.
Despite putting the new tickets up for sale on December 3, however, Sportsmail understands they have been left with a significant chunk unsold.
And, with no option to hand them back for resale to Celtic fans, the 500 seats could be left empty if they remain unsold by Sunday – with Hibs on course to take 19,000 fans to Glasgow’s south side.
As at 18:15 tonight still plenty of tickets available in the Hibs end for The Premier Sports Cup Final
With thousands of Celtic season tickets holders denied the opportunity to purchase briefs for the Final due to the allocation split, will the Celtic Board finally speak out? pic.twitter.com/tJnADyMyW6
— The Fast Lovin’ Sin-Soaked Heathen (@fast_sin) December 7, 2021
Depending on how the tickets were sold the 500 remaining could be sold on to Celtic fans with the hoops getting an allocation of between 25-30,000 tickets for Sunday’s match.
With around 50,000 Season Ticket holders Celtic have been going through various criteria to distribute their tickets.
Last night Hibs beat Dundee 1-0 with the crowd reported at 13,516.
We could outsell Hibs fans for every Celtic game at Easter Road never mind Hampden. What’s the point allocating tickets you don’t sell and when you do its to part timers who have seen a game since 1902.
— Tom Goldie (@Every1IsaGenius) November 25, 2021
Celtic are the ones getting a reduced allocation. Every Hibs fan who wants a ticket can get one, and take their cousins next door neighbour if they fancy a wee day out. The big issue is Hampden not being fit for purpose.
— Mick Gardner (@mickg84) November 25, 2021