Let's bombard the SPFL & Sponsors

[Steven79]

It's time to bombard the SPFL with complaints with regards the unacceptable ticketing arrangements for the League Cup Final.

We need to demand a 50/50 split as well as demanding to know why Hibs have been allocated the West Side of Hampden despite coming from the East of Scotland.

Why are Celtic always given their preferential side along with the other side of Glasgow when it's meant to be a neutral stadium when in reality it's anything but.

We also need to go after sponsors and such like on social media and drag them down as soon as it hits sponsors in the pocket then they will give the SPFL grief.

If we accept this **** situation then it will only get worse for ourselves in future cup finals as they will think they can give us even less next time, the line must be drawn here, this far no further!

No time to waste...

Phone:0141 620 4140 (tel:01416204140)

Email: [email protected]

[email protected]


Also Glen's Vodka is the official partner of the SPFL.

https://spfl.co.uk/news/LochLomondGroup

(https://spfl.co.uk/news/LochLomondGroup)Sponsors hate negative publicty!


01389 752 781

(https://spfl.co.uk/news/LochLomondGroup)[email protected]

([email protected])https://twitter.com/GlensVodkaLLG

(https://twitter.com/GlensVodkaLLG)

Cinch is another SPFL sponsor.


I would send to both emails for maximum affect.


(https://twitter.com/GlensVodkaLLG)[email protected]

[email protected]
([email protected])
0333 015 4101

(tel:03330154101)cinch (@cinchuk) / Twitter (https://twitter.com/cinchuk)
(https://twitter.com/GlensVodkaLLG)

[Ringothedog]

It's time to bombard the SPFL with complaints with regards the unacceptable ticketing arrangements for the League Cup Final.

We need to demand a 50/50 split as well as demanding to know why Hibs have been allocated the West Side of Hampden despite coming from the East of Scotland.

Why are Celtic always given their preferential side along with the other side of Glasgow when it's meant to be a neutral stadium when in reality it's anything but.

We also need to go after sponsors and such like on social media and drag them down as soon as it hits sponsors in the pocket then they will give the SPFL grief.

If we accept this **** situation then it will only get worse for ourselves in future cup finals as they will think they can give us even less next time, the line must be drawn here, this far no further!

No time to waste...

Phone:0141 620 4140 (tel:01416204140)

Email: [email protected].
Emailed them yesterday asking for a full explanation of this disgraceful decision

[Jones28]

Email sent, I look forward to a full and honest explanation.





:rolleyes:

[Steven79]

Glen's Vodka is the official partner of the SPFL.

https://spfl.co.uk/news/LochLomondGroup

You can contact them below using either them phone number, Email or twitter.

Sponsors hate negative publicty!


01389 752 781

[email protected]

([email protected])https://twitter.com/GlensVodkaLLG

[Stanton Spence]

It's time to bombard the SPFL with complaints with regards the unacceptable ticketing arrangements for the League Cup Final.

We need to demand a 50/50 split as well as demanding to know why Hibs have been allocated the West Side of Hampden despite coming from the East of Scotland.

Why are Celtic always given their preferential side along with the other side of Glasgow when it's meant to be a neutral stadium when in reality it's anything but.

We also need to go after sponsors and such like on social media and drag them down as soon as it hits sponsors in the pocket then they will give the SPFL grief.

If we accept this **** situation then it will only get worse for ourselves in future cup finals as they will think they can give us even less next time, the line must be drawn here, this far no further!

No time to waste...

Phone:0141 620 4140 (tel:01416204140)

Email: [email protected]


Also Glen's Vodka is the official partner of the SPFL.

https://spfl.co.uk/news/LochLomondGroup

(https://spfl.co.uk/news/LochLomondGroup)Sponsors hate negative publicty!


01389 752 781

(https://spfl.co.uk/news/LochLomondGroup)[email protected]

([email protected])https://twitter.com/GlensVodkaLLG
Thanks for putting the email address up Steven and I've just sent a polite email asking the questions needing asked

Sent from my G3121 using Tapatalk

[gaz1875]

I sent them an email yesterday as soon as I seen the ticket allocation, asking for an explanation why we weren't given the opportunity for an equal split, I won't be expecting a reply. I'm not sure we would sell out but not being given the opportunity to see if we can is just wrong

[Steven79]

Thanks for putting the email address up Steven and I've just sent a polite email asking the questions needing asked

Sent from my G3121 using Tapatalk

Nice one!

[gbhibby]

Premier Sports need to be contacted as well.

[Steven79]

Cinch is another SPFL sponsor.

I would send to both emails for maximum affect.


[email protected]

[email protected]
([email protected])
0333 015 4101

cinch (@cinchuk) / Twitter (tel:03330154101)

[Steven79]

Premier Sports can be contacted via the following.

CEO Richard Webb - [email protected] or [email protected]

Email: [email protected] (This is the guy that deals with advertising on the channel)

His mobile number is +353 86 3837336

Their support email address is [email protected]
([email protected])
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PremierSportsTV

[wookie70]

Thanks for starting this thread. I will email Premier Sports later and have already email Glen's and the SPFL. Hopefully, lots of fans will take the time and if anyone has contacts with other fans groups or posts on wider forums could they maybe ask other fans to note their displeasure. It will effect them too in time

[90274]

Thanks for starting this thread. I will email Premier Sports later and have already email Glen's and the SPFL. Hopefully, lots of fans will take the time and if anyone has contacts with other fans groups or posts on wider forums could they maybe ask other fans to note their displeasure. It will effect them too in time

Think it will only harm them if Hibs fans state they won't be buying or using their products.

[Danderhall Hibs]

Think it will only harm them if Hibs fans state they won't be buying or using their products.

I'd rather drink my own pish than open a bottle of Glen's so that won't be a problem.

[90274]

I'd rather drink my own pish than open a bottle of Glen's so that won't be a problem.

Yes, that is very true. A god awful product.

[wookie70]

Think it will only harm them if Hibs fans state they won't be buying or using their products.That is what I said to them. I'm tee total so won't make any difference to me but anything that embarrasses the SPFL is a good thing as far as I am concerned

[Hibby Kay-Yay]

Whilst we could easily sell 50/50 I do think it’s hard to justify when our attendance has not been great this season. We rarely sell out so I can see the point of view that Celtic get more fans.

To be honest it could work in our favour, just like the semi did so I’m not against it from that perspective.

I understand the arguments for asking 50/50 though. Just my opinion.

[hibeejeebies]

I'd rather drink my own pish than open a bottle of Glen's so that won't be a problem.

Made me lol

[90274]

Whilst we could easily sell 50/50 I do think it’s hard to justify when our attendance has not been great this season. We rarely sell out so I can see the point of view that Celtic get more fans.

To be honest it could work in our favour, just like the semi did so I’m not against it from that perspective.

I understand the arguments for asking 50/50 though. Just my opinion.

A final should always start with a 50/50 split and then reviewed once sales have started. Not the other way around and certainly not when the least weve ever taken is 25000 due to the split. We have taken 40k twice this century.

[007]

I'd rather drink my own pish than open a bottle of Glen's so that won't be a problem.

What's the ABV?

[hibbydog]

I have sent off a few emails, thanks for posting.

Absolutely no hope of them changing their mind. But I enjoyed venting my spleen.

:-)

[stuart-farquhar]

Already responded with "12000 Glasgow fans who attended the semi v St J. miss out". So as they had more you lose out regardless.

[Hibs90]

A reply from Doncaster below… Expect a copy and paste job

Thank you for your email and for contacting me with your concerns.

I presume that you are a Hibernian FC supporter and if so, I hope very much that you enjoyed your day at Hampden Park on Sunday and are looking forward to what should be a fantastic final on Sunday 19 December.

Ticket allocation decisions are often difficult and there are many factors which need to be taken into account by the SPFL and the Stadium Authorities, including the history of sales in semi-finals and finals, and the limited segregation options within Hampden Park.

In this instance, the agreed initial ticket allocations will ensure that every Hibernian supporter who was at the match on Sunday will have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final, with a minimum of a further 8,000 tickets available. In contrast, over 12,000 Celtic supporters who were at Saturday's semi-final tie will not have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final.

It is important also to note that these numbers are initial allocations only and there will likely be the opportunity for further allocations to both clubs depending on sales.

It is in fact quite a common occurrence for one team in a final to be allocated more tickets than their opponents. Indeed, the 2016 Scottish League Cup final saw Hibernian receive an initial allocation of 25,800 tickets (with Ross County getting 7,000).

I understand that the decision may be disappointing to you, but I do hope that you recognise the rationale outlined above.

Kind regards,

Neil

[Steven79]

A reply from Doncaster below… Expect a copy and paste job

Thank you for your email and for contacting me with your concerns.

I presume that you are a Hibernian FC supporter and if so, I hope very much that you enjoyed your day at Hampden Park on Sunday and are looking forward to what should be a fantastic final on Sunday 19 December.

Ticket allocation decisions are often difficult and there are many factors which need to be taken into account by the SPFL and the Stadium Authorities, including the history of sales in semi-finals and finals, and the limited segregation options within Hampden Park.

In this instance, the agreed initial ticket allocations will ensure that every Hibernian supporter who was at the match on Sunday will have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final, with a minimum of a further 8,000 tickets available. In contrast, over 12,000 Celtic supporters who were at Saturday's semi-final tie will not have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final.

It is important also to note that these numbers are initial allocations only and there will likely be the opportunity for further allocations to both clubs depending on sales.

It is in fact quite a common occurrence for one team in a final to be allocated more tickets than their opponents. Indeed, the 2016 Scottish League Cup final saw Hibernian receive an initial allocation of 25,800 tickets (with Ross County getting 7,000).

I understand that the decision may be disappointing to you, but I do hope that you recognise the rationale outlined above.

Kind regards,

NeilSo going by that logic the next time Rangers meet Celtic in the semi/final the Green half of Glasgow should have more fans since they have more season ticket holders/bigger crowds?

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

[green day]

So going by that logic the next time Rangers meet Celtic in the semi/final the Green half of Glasgow should have more fans since they have more season ticket holders/bigger crowds?

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

Which is exactly what everyones response should be when we get the expected cut and paste response from him

[oneone73]

A reply from Doncaster below… Expect a copy and paste job

Thank you for your email and for contacting me with your concerns.

I presume that you are a Hibernian FC supporter and if so, I hope very much that you enjoyed your day at Hampden Park on Sunday and are looking forward to what should be a fantastic final on Sunday 19 December.

Ticket allocation decisions are often difficult and there are many factors which need to be taken into account by the SPFL and the Stadium Authorities, including the history of sales in semi-finals and finals, and the limited segregation options within Hampden Park.

In this instance, the agreed initial ticket allocations will ensure that every Hibernian supporter who was at the match on Sunday will have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final, with a minimum of a further 8,000 tickets available. In contrast, over 12,000 Celtic supporters who were at Saturday's semi-final tie will not have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final.

It is important also to note that these numbers are initial allocations only and there will likely be the opportunity for further allocations to both clubs depending on sales.

It is in fact quite a common occurrence for one team in a final to be allocated more tickets than their opponents. Indeed, the 2016 Scottish League Cup final saw Hibernian receive an initial allocation of 25,800 tickets (with Ross County getting 7,000).

I understand that the decision may be disappointing to you, but I do hope that you recognise the rationale outlined above.

Kind regards,

Neil

Nowhere in that response does he mention sporting integrity or neutrality. And by his logic, Celtc deserve more tickets because St Johnstone only took 2,000 to the semi. He's an arse.

[A Hi-Bee]

A reply from Doncaster below… Expect a copy and paste job

Thank you for your email and for contacting me with your concerns.

I presume that you are a Hibernian FC supporter and if so, I hope very much that you enjoyed your day at Hampden Park on Sunday and are looking forward to what should be a fantastic final on Sunday 19 December.

Ticket allocation decisions are often difficult and there are many factors which need to be taken into account by the SPFL and the Stadium Authorities, including the history of sales in semi-finals and finals, and the limited segregation options within Hampden Park.

In this instance, the agreed initial ticket allocations will ensure that every Hibernian supporter who was at the match on Sunday will have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final, with a minimum of a further 8,000 tickets available. In contrast, over 12,000 Celtic supporters who were at Saturday's semi-final tie will not have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final.

It is important also to note that these numbers are initial allocations only and there will likely be the opportunity for further allocations to both clubs depending on sales.

It is in fact quite a common occurrence for one team in a final to be allocated more tickets than their opponents. Indeed, the 2016 Scottish League Cup final saw Hibernian receive an initial allocation of 25,800 tickets (with Ross County getting 7,000).

I understand that the decision may be disappointing to you, but I do hope that you recognise the rationale outlined above.

Kind regards,

Neil

ha,ha got the same lazy incorrect reply he did change the name at the top, his rationale is Not Sporting Integrity in any shape or form.

[Smartie]

A reply from Doncaster below… Expect a copy and paste job

Thank you for your email and for contacting me with your concerns.

I presume that you are a Hibernian FC supporter and if so, I hope very much that you enjoyed your day at Hampden Park on Sunday and are looking forward to what should be a fantastic final on Sunday 19 December.

Ticket allocation decisions are often difficult and there are many factors which need to be taken into account by the SPFL and the Stadium Authorities, including the history of sales in semi-finals and finals, and the limited segregation options within Hampden Park.

In this instance, the agreed initial ticket allocations will ensure that every Hibernian supporter who was at the match on Sunday will have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final, with a minimum of a further 8,000 tickets available. In contrast, over 12,000 Celtic supporters who were at Saturday's semi-final tie will not have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final.

It is important also to note that these numbers are initial allocations only and there will likely be the opportunity for further allocations to both clubs depending on sales.

It is in fact quite a common occurrence for one team in a final to be allocated more tickets than their opponents. Indeed, the 2016 Scottish League Cup final saw Hibernian receive an initial allocation of 25,800 tickets (with Ross County getting 7,000).

I understand that the decision may be disappointing to you, but I do hope that you recognise the rationale outlined above.

Kind regards,

Neil

Am I the only one who thinks this is a perfectly reasonable response?

They want to ensure they sell out a cup final and may have doubts about our ability to sell out half a ground for a LC final (nonsense as that might be).

I have no doubt that they'll want as even a split of fans as possible and after we sell out our initial allocation very quickly, we'll soon find ourselves being given half the ground.

I didn't go on Sunday. I have no complaints if I fall on the wrong side of a line when it comes to getting a ticket, and I think his point about every Hibs supporter who attended the semi getting a ticket and not every Celtic fan getting one is a fair one.

[theonlywayisup]

Am I the only one who thinks this is a perfectly reasonable response?

They want to ensure they sell out a cup final and may have doubts about our ability to sell out half a ground for a LC final (nonsense as that might be).

I have no doubt that they'll want as even a split of fans as possible and after we sell out our initial allocation very quickly, we'll soon find ourselves being given half the ground.

I didn't go on Sunday. I have no complaints if I fall on the wrong side of a line when it comes to getting a ticket, and I think his point about every Hibs supporter who attended the semi getting a ticket and not every Celtic fan getting one is a fair one.

Glad you wrote that Smartie, because I agree with you.

Given that we only sold circa 10k for the semi-final, this was always going to happen.

[Billy Whizz]

Am I the only one who thinks this is a perfectly reasonable response?

They want to ensure they sell out a cup final and may have doubts about our ability to sell out half a ground for a LC final (nonsense as that might be).

I have no doubt that they'll want as even a split of fans as possible and after we sell out our initial allocation very quickly, we'll soon find ourselves being given half the ground.

I didn't go on Sunday. I have no complaints if I fall on the wrong side of a line when it comes to getting a ticket, and I think his point about every Hibs supporter who attended the semi getting a ticket and not every Celtic fan getting one is a fair one.

Smartie, Celtic have been allocated the rest of the ground, apart from South Upper, where we have been given Q only at this stage
The only extra I believe we could get are M&N south upper

[lord bunberry]

Am I the only one who thinks this is a perfectly reasonable response?

They want to ensure they sell out a cup final and may have doubts about our ability to sell out half a ground for a LC final (nonsense as that might be).

I have no doubt that they'll want as even a split of fans as possible and after we sell out our initial allocation very quickly, we'll soon find ourselves being given half the ground.

I didn't go on Sunday. I have no complaints if I fall on the wrong side of a line when it comes to getting a ticket, and I think his point about every Hibs supporter who attended the semi getting a ticket and not every Celtic fan getting one is a fair one.
Have we ever not sold our allocation for a league cup final or any final? I don’t see us getting extra tickets when we sell our initial allocation, but I will hold my hands up if we do.

[Sir David Gray]

Am I the only one who thinks this is a perfectly reasonable response?

They want to ensure they sell out a cup final and may have doubts about our ability to sell out half a ground for a LC final (nonsense as that might be).

I have no doubt that they'll want as even a split of fans as possible and after we sell out our initial allocation very quickly, we'll soon find ourselves being given half the ground.

I didn't go on Sunday. I have no complaints if I fall on the wrong side of a line when it comes to getting a ticket, and I think his point about every Hibs supporter who attended the semi getting a ticket and not every Celtic fan getting one is a fair one.

We would sell out half of Hampden for a cup final, recent history tells you that.

There's absolutely no justification for not providing both clubs with an equal split of tickets and then telling Hibs that they have until 10 days before the match to sell those tickets or the remaining amount will go to Celtic.

[cabbageandribs1875]

Am I the only one who thinks this is a perfectly reasonable response?

They want to ensure they sell out a cup final and may have doubts about our ability to sell out half a ground for a LC final (nonsense as that might be).

I have no doubt that they'll want as even a split of fans as possible and after we sell out our initial allocation very quickly, we'll soon find ourselves being given half the ground.

I didn't go on Sunday. I have no complaints if I fall on the wrong side of a line when it comes to getting a ticket, and I think his point about every Hibs supporter who attended the semi getting a ticket and not every Celtic fan getting one is a fair one.



no you're not

i'm positive we will need/receive at least another 3k

[JimBHibees]

We would sell out half of Hampden for a cup final, recent history tells you that.

There's absolutely no justification for not providing both clubs with an equal split of tickets and then telling Hibs that they have until 10 days before the match to sell those tickets or the remaining amount will go to Celtic.

The perfect solution right there. Give us a date to sell by then if we don't hand the spares to Celtic. Cannot be that difficult.

[Billy Whizz]

We would sell out half of Hampden for a cup final, recent history tells you that.

There's absolutely no justification for not providing both clubs with an equal split of tickets and then telling Hibs that they have until 10 days before the match to sell those tickets or the remaining amount will go to Celtic.

Agree with this. The south Upper ones being left vacant at the moment, are great seats, and season ticket holders should be given a chance to buy these 1st. If they are eventually released, could potentially go someone who’s not a regular

[JimBHibees]

I'd rather drink my own pish than open a bottle of Glen's so that won't be a problem.

:greengrin Ever thought of bottling yer own pish and see if it sells. :greengrin

[davhibby]

The perfect solution right there. Give us a date to sell by then if we don't hand the spares to Celtic. Cannot be that difficult.

That’s rubbish though because we’d be forced to sell the best seats in the North stand last. If there was any hint of evidence to back up doubts of us being able to sell half the ground for this then fair enough, but our last 3 league cup finals we’ve sold around 2/3rds of the stadium never mind half

[JimBHibees]

Am I the only one who thinks this is a perfectly reasonable response?

They want to ensure they sell out a cup final and may have doubts about our ability to sell out half a ground for a LC final (nonsense as that might be).

I have no doubt that they'll want as even a split of fans as possible and after we sell out our initial allocation very quickly, we'll soon find ourselves being given half the ground.

I didn't go on Sunday. I have no complaints if I fall on the wrong side of a line when it comes to getting a ticket, and I think his point about every Hibs supporter who attended the semi getting a ticket and not every Celtic fan getting one is a fair one.

Celtic have been given the whole north stand already so no idea where these additional seats will be. We can't get the rest of the ground. No reason we couldn't have been given a date to sell by and then Celtic gets the rest if we don't sell. Treating us with thinly veiled contempt. Last three league cup finals we have taken over 30k to all of them.

[JimBHibees]

That’s rubbish though because we’d be forced to sell the best seats in the North stand last. If there was any hint of evidence to back up doubts of us being able to sell half the ground for this then fair enough, but our last 3 league cup finals we’ve sold around 2/3rds of the stadium never mind half

Fair enough good point was just considering a compromise

[Billy Whizz]

That’s rubbish though because we’d be forced to sell the best seats in the North stand last. If there was any hint of evidence to back up doubts of us being able to sell half the ground for this then fair enough, but our last 3 league cup finals we’ve sold around 2/3rds of the stadium never mind half

Celtic have been given the Full North

[gbhibby]

Have we ever not sold our allocation for a league cup final or any final? I don’t see us getting extra tickets when we sell our initial allocation, but I will hold my hands up if we do.
So we need to sell out our allocation quickly to put pressure on them then. If we get any more I will be surprised. What Doncaster does not take into account is the semi finals are played in the same city as two of the clubs who participated.

[Hibbyradge]

What's the ABV?

:greengrin

[brog]

A reply from Doncaster below… Expect a copy and paste job

Thank you for your email and for contacting me with your concerns.

I presume that you are a Hibernian FC supporter and if so, I hope very much that you enjoyed your day at Hampden Park on Sunday and are looking forward to what should be a fantastic final on Sunday 19 December.

Ticket allocation decisions are often difficult and there are many factors which need to be taken into account by the SPFL and the Stadium Authorities, including the history of sales in semi-finals and finals, and the limited segregation options within Hampden Park.

In this instance, the agreed initial ticket allocations will ensure that every Hibernian supporter who was at the match on Sunday will have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final, with a minimum of a further 8,000 tickets available. In contrast, over 12,000 Celtic supporters who were at Saturday's semi-final tie will not have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final.

It is important also to note that these numbers are initial allocations only and there will likely be the opportunity for further allocations to both clubs depending on sales.

It is in fact quite a common occurrence for one team in a final to be allocated more tickets than their opponents. Indeed, the 2016 Scottish League Cup final saw Hibernian receive an initial allocation of 25,800 tickets (with Ross County getting 7,000).

I understand that the decision may be disappointing to you, but I do hope that you recognise the rationale outlined above.

Kind regards,

Neil

As usual with these PR prepared responses they've put in unnecessary detail and been too clever for their own good. He mentions Ross C getting 7k tickets for the 2016 final. That allocation is significantly more than the population of Dingwall and more than the capacity of Victoria Park. Just nonsense.Similarly with his comments about Celtc supporters. At least 50% of their season ticket holders will always miss out, we shouldn't suffer because we have a totally inadequate National Stadium.

[offshorehibby]

I've had a similar reply from Neil Doncaster. I've replied to that email asking him to clarify several points one being

'where do you see these opportunities for further Hibernian seats coming from when you have already given celtic the rest of the ground'

I've also reminded him he has time to rectify the situation before tickets go on sale by giving us our rightful allocation in section C

Lets see if he has an reply to that. I'm guessing his inbox will be pinging all day from Hibs supporters.

[bigwheel]

A reply from Doncaster below… Expect a copy and paste job

Thank you for your email and for contacting me with your concerns.

I presume that you are a Hibernian FC supporter and if so, I hope very much that you enjoyed your day at Hampden Park on Sunday and are looking forward to what should be a fantastic final on Sunday 19 December.

Ticket allocation decisions are often difficult and there are many factors which need to be taken into account by the SPFL and the Stadium Authorities, including the history of sales in semi-finals and finals, and the limited segregation options within Hampden Park.

In this instance, the agreed initial ticket allocations will ensure that every Hibernian supporter who was at the match on Sunday will have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final, with a minimum of a further 8,000 tickets available. In contrast, over 12,000 Celtic supporters who were at Saturday's semi-final tie will not have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final.

It is important also to note that these numbers are initial allocations only and there will likely be the opportunity for further allocations to both clubs depending on sales.

It is in fact quite a common occurrence for one team in a final to be allocated more tickets than their opponents. Indeed, the 2016 Scottish League Cup final saw Hibernian receive an initial allocation of 25,800 tickets (with Ross County getting 7,000).

I understand that the decision may be disappointing to you, but I do hope that you recognise the rationale outlined above.

Kind regards,

Neil

Tbh, I’m a bit heartened by that . It suggests if we quickly sell out , we may get more allocated . I wonder if that could be the areas of the south upper that are in our side of the ground that we have yet to get allocated to us ?

[jacomo]

Am I the only one who thinks this is a perfectly reasonable response?

They want to ensure they sell out a cup final and may have doubts about our ability to sell out half a ground for a LC final (nonsense as that might be).

I have no doubt that they'll want as even a split of fans as possible and after we sell out our initial allocation very quickly, we'll soon find ourselves being given half the ground.

I didn't go on Sunday. I have no complaints if I fall on the wrong side of a line when it comes to getting a ticket, and I think his point about every Hibs supporter who attended the semi getting a ticket and not every Celtic fan getting one is a fair one.


What’s complicated about it?

Why aren’t we getting a 50:50 split? That should be the default for any final, unless the clubs involved want to do it differently.

After all, if a club can’t sell half of Hampden to their own supporters, there is a financial incentive for them to allow the other club a bigger allocation.

[gbhibby]

I received almost the same response but they did put in a sentence about us getting 38000 tickets for the Livi final. I have asked for clarification on paragraph 5 of their response so If I get a response I will share it with everyone. Lets sell out our allocation in double quick time.

[chippy]

It's time to bombard the SPFL with complaints with regards the unacceptable ticketing arrangements for the League Cup Final.

We need to demand a 50/50 split as well as demanding to know why Hibs have been allocated the West Side of Hampden despite coming from the East of Scotland.

Why are Celtic always given their preferential side along with the other side of Glasgow when it's meant to be a neutral stadium when in reality it's anything but.

We also need to go after sponsors and such like on social media and drag them down as soon as it hits sponsors in the pocket then they will give the SPFL grief.

If we accept this **** situation then it will only get worse for ourselves in future cup finals as they will think they can give us even less next time, the line must be drawn here, this far no further!

No time to waste...

Phone:0141 620 4140 (tel:01416204140)

Email: [email protected]

[email protected]


Also Glen's Vodka is the official partner of the SPFL.

https://spfl.co.uk/news/LochLomondGroup

(https://spfl.co.uk/news/LochLomondGroup)Sponsors hate negative publicty!


01389 752 781

(https://spfl.co.uk/news/LochLomondGroup)[email protected]

([email protected])https://twitter.com/GlensVodkaLLG

(https://twitter.com/GlensVodkaLLG)

Cinch is another SPFL sponsor.


I would send to both emails for maximum affect.


(https://twitter.com/GlensVodkaLLG)[email protected]

[email protected]
([email protected])
0333 015 4101

(tel:03330154101)cinch (@cinchuk) / Twitter (https://twitter.com/cinchuk)
(https://twitter.com/GlensVodkaLLG)


Great idea. It’s in other clubs interests to do this too mainly Hearts, Aberdeen, Dundee clubs, St Mirren. Any club who could take 21000 to a final that’s most full time Scottish clubs. Could you network with other forums?

[jacomo]

I received almost the same response but they did put in a sentence about us getting 38000 tickets for the Livi final. I have asked for clarification on paragraph 5 of their response so If I get a response I will share it with everyone. Lets sell out our allocation in double quick time.


But that’s because Livi couldn’t sell half of Hampden.

Totally different situation.

[JXM73]

Sky sports covering it next apparently... probably more Rangers pish...

[Hibs90]

I think it says a lot about those in charge of our game when they’ve spent an afternoon arguing back and forth with me via an email.

Hi Neil if you’re reading this, you’re a clown.

[Danderhall Hibs]

Keep the crowd split then Neil - just give us the correct end of the stadium.

[lord bunberry]

So we need to sell out our allocation quickly to put pressure on them then. If we get any more I will be surprised. What Doncaster does not take into account is the semi finals are played in the same city as two of the clubs who participated.
Yes that would be the best way to put pressure on Doncaster.

[Steven79]

Yes that would be the best way to put pressure on Doncaster.By that point Celtic will have already started to sell the North...

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

[007]

Great idea. It’s in other clubs interests to do this too mainly Hearts, Aberdeen, Dundee clubs, St Mirren. Any club who could take 21000 to a final that’s most full time Scottish clubs. Could you network with other forums?

Absolutely, fans of other clubs need to be all over this too otherwise they'll be affected in future once the precedent is set.

[Phil MaGlass]

as I said on another thread
Get the big screens up and running at er for the final, get tents erected, sell bevvy and make a mint.

[A Hi-Bee]

Sky sports covering it next apparently... probably more Rangers pish...

No such team exists, what sports are being covered, can you explain please.
:aok:

[Itsnoteasy]

A final should always start with a 50/50 split and then reviewed once sales have started. Not the other way around and certainly not when the least weve ever taken is 25000 due to the split. We have taken 40k twice this century.

And on most occasions have struggled to break the 10000 mark on most semis at Hampden.

[Dmas]

Yes that would be the best way to put pressure on Doncaster.

He said it can’t be reversed though due to the north stand, he’s contradicted himself on 2 seperate replies to emails on the other thread as far as I can see.

As soon as Celtic start selling north stand tickets we’ve had it for a fair split no matter how quickly we take up the tickets

[Carheenlea]

A reply from Doncaster below… Expect a copy and paste job

Thank you for your email and for contacting me with your concerns.

I presume that you are a Hibernian FC supporter and if so, I hope very much that you enjoyed your day at Hampden Park on Sunday and are looking forward to what should be a fantastic final on Sunday 19 December.

Ticket allocation decisions are often difficult and there are many factors which need to be taken into account by the SPFL and the Stadium Authorities, including the history of sales in semi-finals and finals, and the limited segregation options within Hampden Park.

In this instance, the agreed initial ticket allocations will ensure that every Hibernian supporter who was at the match on Sunday will have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final, with a minimum of a further 8,000 tickets available. In contrast, over 12,000 Celtic supporters who were at Saturday's semi-final tie will not have the opportunity to buy a ticket for the final.

It is important also to note that these numbers are initial allocations only and there will likely be the opportunity for further allocations to both clubs depending on sales.

It is in fact quite a common occurrence for one team in a final to be allocated more tickets than their opponents. Indeed, the 2016 Scottish League Cup final saw Hibernian receive an initial allocation of 25,800 tickets (with Ross County getting 7,000).

I understand that the decision may be disappointing to you, but I do hope that you recognise the rationale outlined above.

Kind regards,

Neil

Doncaster seems to have forgotten that this isn’t a Celtic home game.

[weecounty hibby]

I've emailed him and the main points I was making that he has added yet another advantage to celtic. Own city, own end, own dressing room and now more fans in what is meant to be a neutral stadium. Expect the same posh response as above but he can expect further emails from me asking more questions if it is. Total pile of pish from him. No matter who the OF play in a final they will always have ST holders who miss out as Hampden has a capacity of 50000 minus sponsors etc means approx 45000 available. The hun and celtic both have more ST'S than that. He is a cock

[Ringothedog]

And on most occasions have struggled to break the 10000 mark on most semis at Hampden.

What you take to a semi final has no bearing on what you take to a Final . Every final should start with a 50/50 split. If any club decides they could not sell the allocation for the Final their allocation is reduced. Not really a difficult concept to comprehend

[Carheenlea]

I've emailed him and the main points I was making that he has added yet another advantage to celtic. Own city, own end, own dressing room and now more fans in what is meant to be a neutral stadium. Expect the same posh response as above but he can expect further emails from me asking more questions if it is. Total pile of pish from him. No matter who the OF play in a final they will always have ST holders who miss out as Hampden has a capacity of 50000 minus sponsors etc means approx 45000 available. The hun and celtic both have more ST'S than that. He is a cock

Could have saved yourself a bit of time by just writing the sentence you finished with. Says all that needs to be said.

[Smartie]

as I said on another thread
Get the big screens up and running at er for the final, get tents erected, sell bevvy and make a mint.

I think I remember seeing something that Stevenage did, where they had picnic tables all over the pitch.

TBH that has the potential to be epic, for those who cannot get a ticket for Hampden for whatever reason...

[weecounty hibby]

Could have saved yourself a bit of time by just writing the sentence you finished with. Says all that needs to be said.

True but he probably wouldn't have replied making it more difficult to have an argument with him!! I may sign off by calling him that though

[brog]

And on most occasions have struggled to break the 10000 mark on most semis at Hampden.


I can only remember 1 semi at Hampden in last 20 years with us taking less than 10k. That was midweek game against Huns in 2004. Not sure where you get 'most' from.

[Moulin Yarns]

as I said on another thread
Get the big screens up and running at er for the final, get tents erected, sell bevvy and make a mint.

Aye, I can see Premier sports allowing that.

[McSwanky]

I can only remember 1 semi at Hampden in last 20 years with us taking less than 10k. That was midweek game against Huns in 2004. Not sure where you get 'most' from.Dunfermline replay that we lost was very sparsely attended iirc. But your point stands!

[Sir David Gray]

I've just emailed them we'll see what happens.

I'm not holding my breath.

[Hibee87]

[QUOTE=Smartie;6755929]I have no doubt that they'll want as even a split of fans as possible and after we sell out our initial allocation very quickly, we'll soon find ourselves being given half the groundp.

But this has not clearly been said anywhere. I'm sure we would all be happy if they say 17.5k to start with, with up to 50% allocated should we sell out the initial allocation.
But they have been ambiguous at best as to what any 'further' allocation we MAY get.

[Steven79]

[QUOTE=Smartie;6755929]I have no doubt that they'll want as even a split of fans as possible and after we sell out our initial allocation very quickly, we'll soon find ourselves being given half the groundp.

But this has not clearly been said anywhere. I'm sure we would all be happy if they say 17.5k to start with, with up to 50% allocated should we sell out the initial allocation.
But they have been ambiguous at best as to what any 'further' allocation we MAY get.

https://spfl.co.uk/news/premier-sports-cup-final-details

You can see by looking at that link and what has been given to each club that it's clear the only section that will be available for Hibs fans is section N in the upper.

[brog]

Dunfermline replay that we lost was very sparsely attended iirc. But your point stands!

I think I've blanked that game from my memory!!

[Callum_62]

Can we realistically get 50 percent of the stadium with what we have been allocated plus the potential area we get after we sell?

I'm guessing the answer is no.

If the answer is no, then it's a crock of *****.

Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk

[Steven79]

Can we realistically get 50 percent of the stadium with what we have been allocated plus the potential area we get after we sell?

I'm guessing the answer is no.

Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk

Not a chance!

They will get all the North over what we will get.

[weecounty hibby]

So I got the same bog standard reply from Doncaster as everyone else so I replied with this. Won't help but made me feel a wee but better

Neil
Thanks for taking the time to copy and paste my name into the standard reply you have been giving every Hibs supporter who has contacted you.
You have not answered any of my questions. I asked why you thought it was OK to give another advantage to a team who, at a neutral venue, already have their own end given to them regardless of who they play and their own dressing room regardless of who they play. If you want to try to keep up the pretence of Hampden being neutral the only thing you can do is to have an even split of tickets for clubs who would sell out for a final.
You mention that it is based on semi final tickets and also mention the other finals Hibs have been in but this is disingenuous. The finals you quote had allocations agreed by BOTH clubs and itvwasnt a case of both asking for 50/50. Also finals have never been based on this in the past and regardless of who celtic or indeed rangers were to play in a final they will never be able to satisfy their season ticket fan base as Hampden just isn't big enough to cope. So no matter how you cut it there will always be celtic fans who want to go that can't and that will still be the case this time. What you have done is deliberately disadvantage Hibs fans who would attend a final, as history shows Hibs fans will turn up in big numbers for a final, to pander once again to one of the old firm clubs.

Your job is to look after the interests of ALL clubs but time after time the two Glasgow clubs seem to be the ones who get the decisions in their favour.

You also mention that this is the initial allocation and clubs may get more. I can't see how with the Hampden set up Hibs could get many more than the 17500, unless of course you mean that you are prepared to offer more to celtic if Hibs haven't sold all 17500 by a certain date. Clarification on this would be much appreciated.

I would hope that you would understand the anger that this decision has caused amongst Hibs fans, and with other non old firm fans as they can all see where this precedent leads us to in future, but to be honest I don't think you will which for someone tasked with leading our game is pretty disappointing

Regards

[Ringothedog]

I sent this a lot earlier today but no reply

I have seen a response you have given which is an absolute disgrace
You are in charge of an organisation that has no sense of sporting integrity. You should hang your heads in shame.
Semi final sales should have no impact on the tickets offered for a final, you are pandering to Celtic and if you had any balls you would admit it.
I am sure your sponsors will love all the negative publicity they and your organisation will get over the next month
Let's hope the clubs and fans of other clubs who you are meant to represent start rising up against this pathetic decision.



Sent from my iPhone

[brog]

So I got the same bog standard reply from Doncaster as everyone else so I replied with this. Won't help but made me feel a wee but better

Neil
Thanks for taking the time to copy and paste my name into the standard reply you have been giving every Hibs supporter who has contacted you.
You have not answered any of my questions. I asked why you thought it was OK to give another advantage to a team who, at a neutral venue, already have their own end given to them regardless of who they play and their own dressing room regardless of who they play. If you want to try to keep up the pretence of Hampden being neutral the only thing you can do is to have an even split of tickets for clubs who would sell out for a final.
You mention that it is based on semi final tickets and also mention the other finals Hibs have been in but this is disingenuous. The finals you quote had allocations agreed by BOTH clubs and itvwasnt a case of both asking for 50/50. Also finals have never been based on this in the past and regardless of who celtic or indeed rangers were to play in a final they will never be able to satisfy their season ticket fan base as Hampden just isn't big enough to cope. So no matter how you cut it there will always be celtic fans who want to go that can't and that will still be the case this time. What you have done is deliberately disadvantage Hibs fans who would attend a final, as history shows Hibs fans will turn up in big numbers for a final, to pander once again to one of the old firm clubs.

Your job is to look after the interests of ALL clubs but time after time the two Glasgow clubs seem to be the ones who get the decisions in their favour.

You also mention that this is the initial allocation and clubs may get more. I can't see how with the Hampden set up Hibs could get many more than the 17500, unless of course you mean that you are prepared to offer more to celtic if Hibs haven't sold all 17500 by a certain date. Clarification on this would be much appreciated.

I would hope that you would understand the anger that this decision has caused amongst Hibs fans, and with other non old firm fans as they can all see where this precedent leads us to in future, but to be honest I don't think you will which for someone tasked with leading our game is pretty disappointing

Regards

That's an excellent letter, well done.

[green day]

Can't remember who posted Doncaster's email address on here, but that was an excellent idea.

So many very good emails to him, many refuting his daft and trite responses.

I actually think he or his press officer have made a huge mistake with these emails today.

Even if it doesn't result in a change of allocation, at the very least I hope it makes him see sense for the next time.

[O'Rourke3]

Am I the only one who thinks this is a perfectly reasonable response?

They want to ensure they sell out a cup final and may have doubts about our ability to sell out half a ground for a LC final (nonsense as that might be).

I have no doubt that they'll want as even a split of fans as possible and after we sell out our initial allocation very quickly, we'll soon find ourselves being given half the ground.

I didn't go on Sunday. I have no complaints if I fall on the wrong side of a line when it comes to getting a ticket, and I think his point about every Hibs supporter who attended the semi getting a ticket and not every Celtic fan getting one is a fair one.You may not be but consider this. Why does buying a season ticket for Celtic or The The Thes entitle you to a greater share of the pot at a National Final? They contribute to their club not Scottish Football. A season ticket gets them a seat at their home ground, nothing else. Away support at grounds like Ross County and Inverness do not show that club invest more in the game but reflect the fact BBC Scotland and STV chose to show these teams on the TV from the begining of being able to broadcast, meaning places like the Highlands with no major team only saw one or the other. Choosing which was a choice of the church you attended at some point in life. They'd no one else to see(in the top flight) on a regular basis. Its exacltly the same stupid argument with stadium size. "Top flight must have capacity of x1000. " Always casually ommitting Queens Park who had a ground capable of hosting over 100000 fans.
Neil Doncaster can sound as reasonable as he likes but he knows it's total bs. Where is the downside of not starting 50/50, unless its a rigged game? If the game's rigged it's fn stupid making it clear.

Sent from my SM-T580 using Tapatalk

[Sir David Gray]

Sent the following earlier tonight. Hoping the fact that I have pre-empted the standard template response may mean I get something more substantial but doubt it.

Dear Mr Doncaster

I am a Hibernian fan and I am contacting you with regards to your organisation's decision to provide an unfair distribution of tickets in favour of Celtic FC for the forthcoming Premier Sports Cup final on 19th December 2021.

I understand you have already been contacted by some of my fellow Hibernian fans and also by the club itself on this issue, unfortunately to no avail, so I do not expect you will change your decision.*

However I feel that this matter is of so much importance and a question of sporting integrity that I feel it is vital that I place on record my complete dissatisfaction with regards to this matter.

From speaking to other Hibs fans who have already contacted you and received a reply, I understand your justification for making this decision is based on the limited segregation options within Hampden Park and historical ticket sales for semi finals and finals.

On the first point regarding limited segregation, this has never been an issue on previous occasions when Hibs have been given (and successfully sold) an equal split of tickets for cup finals at Hampden and I do not understand how this can be used as justification to discriminate against one club and not the other. If there are concerns around segregation then surely there should be restrictions in place for fans of both teams.

On another point regarding segregation, I am assuming that you will be aware of the incidents on Sunday which resulted in Hibs fans in the south stand lower being assaulted by missles (in particular glass bottles) which were thrown by Rangers fans who were sitting directly above the Hibs fans in the south stand upper. Fortunately I do not believe anyone was seriously injured but I am sure you will appreciate that this will have been an extremely frightening experience for those who were in the vicinity of the area where the missiles landed. Having one set of fans sitting directly above the opposition's fans is completely unacceptable and hopefully will not be repeated for the final and we won't have Celtic fans sitting above Hibs fans.

With regards to the decision being based on historical ticket sales for semi finals and finals, I cannot understand what relevance semi final attendances have on ticket allocations for a final. Finals almost always attract larger audiences (both in person and on TV), they are a showpiece event and Hibs have recent history in easily selling more than 20,000 tickets for cup finals.

In the replies I have seen from you to other fans, you even refer to the fact that Hibs managed to take much more than that the last time we got to the League Cup final in 2016. This was also the case in 2004 and 2007 in the League Cup and in 2012, 2013 and 2016 for the Scottish Cup.*

The other point I have seen in your reply has been regarding this not being the first time that there has been an unequal allocation of tickets for a cup final as Ross County only received an initial allocation of 7,000 for that match. I feel this is completely irrelevant to the question of why Hibs are not receiving an equal share of tickets for next month's match. Unlike Hibs, Ross County do not have the fanbase which allows them to sell over 20,000 tickets, even for a cup final.

I feel that this decision is extremely unfair and totally unjustified. I understand the desire to have a full stadium for a cup final but if there had been any doubt surrounding Hibs' ability to sell more than 20,000 tickets for this match, why could there not have been an arrangement put in place which meant that Hibs had to sell so many tickets by a certain date or the rest get passed to Celtic? This could surely have been achieved whilst still maintaining segregation.

I feel that it is a matter of great regret that as the administrators of Scottish football you have failed in your duties to uphold the basic principle of sporting integrity and I believe it is bad enough that fans of Celtic (and Rangers) are allowed to get their own end in a supposedly neutral national stadium (a situation which would be hilarious if it wasn't so ridiculously absurd) without also getting an unfair advantage with regards to ticket allocations for a cup final.

I look forward to hearing from you.

[WeeRussell]

I don’t think Doncaster’s response was that ridiculous in terms of his explanation and wording, considering it’s him. And it’s hardly a surprise if he’s sending the same response to hundreds of hibs fans going radge about the same topic.

Having said that - I DO think it’s ridiculous if ANY cup final has the potential to not at least give a chance of a 50/50 split. It’s meant to be a neutral venue. It should be the same when we play Ross county, St Johnstone etc.. both clubs should have the same chance at the same time to have their fair share of support there.

[gbhibby]

Sent the following earlier tonight. Hoping the fact that I have pre-empted the standard template response may mean I get something more substantial but doubt it.

Dear Mr Doncaster

I am a Hibernian fan and I am contacting you with regards to your organisation's decision to provide an unfair distribution of tickets in favour of Celtic FC for the forthcoming Premier Sports Cup final on 19th December 2021.

I understand you have already been contacted by some of my fellow Hibernian fans and also by the club itself on this issue, unfortunately to no avail, so I do not expect you will change your decision.*

However I feel that this matter is of so much importance and a question of sporting integrity that I feel it is vital that I place on record my complete dissatisfaction with regards to this matter.

From speaking to other Hibs fans who have already contacted you and received a reply, I understand your justification for making this decision is based on the limited segregation options within Hampden Park and historical ticket sales for semi finals and finals.

On the first point regarding limited segregation, this has never been an issue on previous occasions when Hibs have been given (and successfully sold) an equal split of tickets for cup finals at Hampden and I do not understand how this can be used as justification to discriminate against one club and not the other. If there are concerns around segregation then surely there should be restrictions in place for fans of both teams.

On another point regarding segregation, I am assuming that you will be aware of the incidents on Sunday which resulted in Hibs fans in the south stand lower being assaulted by missles (in particular glass bottles) which were thrown by Rangers fans who were sitting directly above the Hibs fans in the south stand upper. Fortunately I do not believe anyone was seriously injured but I am sure you will appreciate that this will have been an extremely frightening experience for those who were in the vicinity of the area where the missiles landed. Having one set of fans sitting directly above the opposition's fans is completely unacceptable and hopefully will not be repeated for the final and we won't have Celtic fans sitting above Hibs fans.

With regards to the decision being based on historical ticket sales for semi finals and finals, I cannot understand what relevance semi final attendances have on ticket allocations for a final. Finals almost always attract larger audiences (both in person and on TV), they are a showpiece event and Hibs have recent history in easily selling more than 20,000 tickets for cup finals.

In the replies I have seen from you to other fans, you even refer to the fact that Hibs managed to take much more than that the last time we got to the League Cup final in 2016. This was also the case in 2004 and 2007 in the League Cup and in 2012, 2013 and 2016 for the Scottish Cup.*

The other point I have seen in your reply has been regarding this not being the first time that there has been an unequal allocation of tickets for a cup final as Ross County only received an initial allocation of 7,000 for that match. I feel this is completely irrelevant to the question of why Hibs are not receiving an equal share of tickets for next month's match. Unlike Hibs, Ross County do not have the fanbase which allows them to sell over 20,000 tickets, even for a cup final.

I feel that this decision is extremely unfair and totally unjustified. I understand the desire to have a full stadium for a cup final but if there had been any doubt surrounding Hibs' ability to sell more than 20,000 tickets for this match, why could there not have been an arrangement put in place which meant that Hibs had to sell so many tickets by a certain date or the rest get passed to Celtic? This could surely have been achieved whilst still maintaining segregation.

I feel that it is a matter of great regret that as the administrators of Scottish football you have failed in your duties to uphold the basic principle of sporting integrity and I believe it is bad enough that fans of Celtic (and Rangers) are allowed to get their own end in a supposedly neutral national stadium (a situation which would be hilarious if it wasn't so ridiculously absurd) without also getting an unfair advantage with regards to ticket allocations for a cup final.

I look forward to hearing from you.
He said in questions I raised with him that the North Stand can only be split 50/50 or not at all he said that the North Stand has been given to Celtic and we will get no tickets for that area. So effectively if we sell out we might get at the most 1000 tickets.
They are acting like they are the old firms whores.

[Smartie]

He said in questions I raised with him that the North Stand can only be split 50/50 or not at all he said that the North Stand has been given to Celtic and we will get no tickets for that area. So effectively if we sell out we might get at the most 1000 tickets.
They are acting like they are the old firms whores.

See, I didn't realise any of that.

I thought it would have been the case that they'd have gone on the basis of giving Celtic half the North Stand and we'd get the other half if we sold enough tickets in the West and South. That in itself would be less than ideal as the North Stand tickets are more desirable but at least there would be a pathway towards a 50/50 split at a cup final, which would be reasonable.

This is actually pish, so I take back what I said earlier about it appearing reasonable.

[gbhibby]

See, I didn't realise any of that.

I thought it would have been the case that they'd have gone on the basis of giving Celtic half the North Stand and we'd get the other half if we sold enough tickets in the West and South. That in itself would be less than ideal as the North Stand tickets are more desirable but at least there would be a pathway towards a 50/50 split at a cup final, which would be reasonable.

This is actually pish, so I take back what I said earlier about it appearing reasonable.
My questions to him and responses are on the cup final tickets thread, and there are others on there that make quite interesting reading. Time now for Ron to get his size 10s on and wade in on this. SPFL once again couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery.

[JimBHibees]

Sent the following earlier tonight. Hoping the fact that I have pre-empted the standard template response may mean I get something more substantial but doubt it.

Dear Mr Doncaster

I am a Hibernian fan and I am contacting you with regards to your organisation's decision to provide an unfair distribution of tickets in favour of Celtic FC for the forthcoming Premier Sports Cup final on 19th December 2021.

I understand you have already been contacted by some of my fellow Hibernian fans and also by the club itself on this issue, unfortunately to no avail, so I do not expect you will change your decision.*

However I feel that this matter is of so much importance and a question of sporting integrity that I feel it is vital that I place on record my complete dissatisfaction with regards to this matter.

From speaking to other Hibs fans who have already contacted you and received a reply, I understand your justification for making this decision is based on the limited segregation options within Hampden Park and historical ticket sales for semi finals and finals.

On the first point regarding limited segregation, this has never been an issue on previous occasions when Hibs have been given (and successfully sold) an equal split of tickets for cup finals at Hampden and I do not understand how this can be used as justification to discriminate against one club and not the other. If there are concerns around segregation then surely there should be restrictions in place for fans of both teams.

On another point regarding segregation, I am assuming that you will be aware of the incidents on Sunday which resulted in Hibs fans in the south stand lower being assaulted by missles (in particular glass bottles) which were thrown by Rangers fans who were sitting directly above the Hibs fans in the south stand upper. Fortunately I do not believe anyone was seriously injured but I am sure you will appreciate that this will have been an extremely frightening experience for those who were in the vicinity of the area where the missiles landed. Having one set of fans sitting directly above the opposition's fans is completely unacceptable and hopefully will not be repeated for the final and we won't have Celtic fans sitting above Hibs fans.

With regards to the decision being based on historical ticket sales for semi finals and finals, I cannot understand what relevance semi final attendances have on ticket allocations for a final. Finals almost always attract larger audiences (both in person and on TV), they are a showpiece event and Hibs have recent history in easily selling more than 20,000 tickets for cup finals.

In the replies I have seen from you to other fans, you even refer to the fact that Hibs managed to take much more than that the last time we got to the League Cup final in 2016. This was also the case in 2004 and 2007 in the League Cup and in 2012, 2013 and 2016 for the Scottish Cup.*

The other point I have seen in your reply has been regarding this not being the first time that there has been an unequal allocation of tickets for a cup final as Ross County only received an initial allocation of 7,000 for that match. I feel this is completely irrelevant to the question of why Hibs are not receiving an equal share of tickets for next month's match. Unlike Hibs, Ross County do not have the fanbase which allows them to sell over 20,000 tickets, even for a cup final.

I feel that this decision is extremely unfair and totally unjustified. I understand the desire to have a full stadium for a cup final but if there had been any doubt surrounding Hibs' ability to sell more than 20,000 tickets for this match, why could there not have been an arrangement put in place which meant that Hibs had to sell so many tickets by a certain date or the rest get passed to Celtic? This could surely have been achieved whilst still maintaining segregation.

I feel that it is a matter of great regret that as the administrators of Scottish football you have failed in your duties to uphold the basic principle of sporting integrity and I believe it is bad enough that fans of Celtic (and Rangers) are allowed to get their own end in a supposedly neutral national stadium (a situation which would be hilarious if it wasn't so ridiculously absurd) without also getting an unfair advantage with regards to ticket allocations for a cup final.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Excellent work :aok:

[Sir David Gray]

He said in questions I raised with him that the North Stand can only be split 50/50 or not at all he said that the North Stand has been given to Celtic and we will get no tickets for that area. So effectively if we sell out we might get at the most 1000 tickets.
They are acting like they are the old firms whores.

Why could 50% of the north stand just not have been allocated to either side initially then and Hibs get given a deadline for selling so many of our other tickets and if it looks like we're struggling to do so by around 10 days before the match the other 50% in the north stand can then go to Celtic?

That's surely not a difficult thing to organise.

[Potty78]

I can only remember 1 semi at Hampden in last 20 years with us taking less than 10k. That was midweek game against Huns in 2004. Not sure where you get 'most' from.

Probably had less than ten thousand at both celtic semis if not both defo the first one

[jacomo]

I don’t think Doncaster’s response was that ridiculous in terms of his explanation and wording, considering it’s him. And it’s hardly a surprise if he’s sending the same response to hundreds of hibs fans going radge about the same topic.

Having said that - I DO think it’s ridiculous if ANY cup final has the potential to not at least give a chance of a 50/50 split. It’s meant to be a neutral venue. It should be the same when we play Ross county, St Johnstone etc.. both clubs should have the same chance at the same time to have their fair share of support there.


Exactly. It’s not a level playing field.

A long history of the Old Firm having a bigger backing at Hampden finals has led to the SPFL now thinking that Celtc are entitled to more tickets, and they don’t even register that as an issue.

[Gloucester Hibs]

Well played to all that have emailed Neil Doncaster over the past day or so. Some more than reasonable, well articulated concerns raised :thumbsup:

[Moulin Yarns]

I have sent the following to all my MSPs and the Sports Minister in the hope it will be raised in Parliament.

I am writing to you as my local MSP.

If you have been reading the sports pages this week you will probably be aware that there is some concern being voiced by Hibernian Football Club and its supporters about the decision by the Scottish Professional Footbal League (SPFL) to allocate more tickets to Celtic supporters for the forthcoming Premier Sports League Cup Final at Hampden Park in Glasgow. In all previous cup finals, both League Cup and Scottish Cup it has been the case that the officials from the SPFL and the clubs involved agree on the allocations, some clubs with smaller fanbase will accept a smaller allocation but in all recent finals the Hibernian has been invloved in they have alwas taken at least 50% of the available tickets.

The SPFL cite the larger number of season ticket holders that Celtic have as the rationale, however that being the case will they give Rangers a lower allocation the next time the play Celtic in a League Cup Final as they have around 8,000 less season ticket holders than Celtic.

I realise this may not be imortant in the grand scheme of things but in the terms of fairness and sporting integrity I think it is something that needs to be addressed as I see this as the thin end of the wedge that will allow the SPFL to reduce the allocations for all Scottish football clubs with the exception of Cetic and Rangers.

Many thanks for your attention.

[Moulin Yarns]

I have sent the following to all my MSPs and the Sports Minister in the hope it will be raised in Parliament.

I am writing to you as my local MSP.

If you have been reading the sports pages this week you will probably be aware that there is some concern being voiced by Hibernian Football Club and its supporters about the decision by the Scottish Professional Footbal League (SPFL) to allocate more tickets to Celtic supporters for the forthcoming Premier Sports League Cup Final at Hampden Park in Glasgow. In all previous cup finals, both League Cup and Scottish Cup it has been the case that the officials from the SPFL and the clubs involved agree on the allocations, some clubs with smaller fanbase will accept a smaller allocation but in all recent finals the Hibernian has been invloved in they have alwas taken at least 50% of the available tickets.

The SPFL cite the larger number of season ticket holders that Celtic have as the rationale, however that being the case will they give Rangers a lower allocation the next time the play Celtic in a League Cup Final as they have around 8,000 less season ticket holders than Celtic.

I realise this may not be imortant in the grand scheme of things but in the terms of fairness and sporting integrity I think it is something that needs to be addressed as I see this as the thin end of the wedge that will allow the SPFL to reduce the allocations for all Scottish football clubs with the exception of Cetic and Rangers.

Many thanks for your attention.



First reply.




I will have a look at this as not sure there is much I can do as a politician but I will check.

I agree with the point re season tickets as your season ticket is only for the home league games. I should say I have a season ticket for Kelty Hearts and even at home cup games we have to pay and one of my sisters has one for Celtic and the same rules apply.

[brog]

Probably had less than ten thousand at both celtic semis if not both defo the first one


It's possible, I really can't remember. The point is though the OP said we took less than 10k to most Hampden semis. That's just plain wrong. Incredibly in last 20 years we've been at 16 semis, excluding replays. Not all were at Hampden, 2 at Tiny I think, but there's only 2 or 3 at max where our support was less than 10k.

[CMurdoch]

It's possible, I really can't remember. The point is though the OP said we took less than 10k to most Hampden semis. That's just plain wrong. Incredibly in last 20 years we've been at 16 semis, excluding replays. Not all were at Hampden, 2 at Tiny I think, but there's only 2 or 3 at max where our support was less than 10k.

According to Doncaster we took less than 10,000 supporters to Hampden on Sunday.
He said all Hibs supporters at the semi final will get a ticket for the final and Hibs will get another 8,000 tickets on top of that i.e. there was circa 9,500 Hibs supporters at Hampden on Sunday

[JimBHibees]

Probably had less than ten thousand at both celtic semis if not both defo the first one

I thought we had more at the first than the second given we had half the north stand also

[GreenNWhiteArmy]

A shambles.

Celtic can act high and mighty all they like, but their semi final attendances over the years (excluding games vs rangers) aren't all that great considering the amount of ST holders they have.

Plenty examples in the last 10 years alone. Pricks

[Skol]

Probably had less than ten thousand at both celtic semis if not both defo the first one

Ayr and Dunfermline replay are two others

[Sir David Gray]

No reply today to my email from yesterday.

[Bostonhibby]

No reply today to my email from yesterday.Change your email address to [email protected]?

You never know[emoji16]

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[CMac1988]

Commendable effort but no doubt pishing against the wind unfortunately.

Outside the initial statement from Hibs have the club said anything further? At this stage I'm guessing nothing more can be done but going forward it should be a given that there's a 50/50 split unless it's apparent you can't sell your allocation.

Should we apply more pressure to Hibs to advocate for this? Given Kieran scopes these boards as well as other social media groups etc. I hope our feelings are being passed on. Also I'd like Ron and Ben to be pushing to make sure this doesn't happen again. It's simply not acceptable.

Apologies if I've missed further correspondence which states we're being heard.

[Eyrie]

It's another reason why Hampden isn't fit for purpose that they couldn't design the North Stand to have differing splits ie 25/75 and 50/50.

[weecounty hibby]

No reply today to my email from yesterday.
Aye, nothing for me either to my 2nd email. Easy to send out a bog standard email but not easy to answer direct questions. He is a ******

[staunchhibby]

No reply either

[Sir David Gray]

Aye, nothing for me either to my 2nd email. Easy to send out a bog standard email but not easy to answer direct questions. He is a ******

My email must have been too challenging since I already pre-empted some of the standard replies that others received.

[90274]

Replied to his response yesterday too and no reply today when I asked him that Hampden wasn't a neutral venue.

[CMurdoch]

Awright boys, do you want me to give the Donkeymeister a call in the morning and see if he would consider reducing our ticket allocation a bit more?
Can someone else cancel the "Donkey Oot" banners.
Cheeeeuurs :aok:

[NAE NOOKIE]

Whilst we could easily sell 50/50 I do think it’s hard to justify when our attendance has not been great this season. We rarely sell out so I can see the point of view that Celtic get more fans.

To be honest it could work in our favour, just like the semi did so I’m not against it from that perspective.

I understand the arguments for asking 50/50 though. Just my opinion.

That's an absolutely moot point. The whole point of a neutral venue is so that no club has the advantage of playing on their own pitch ... In modern day professional football it's absolutely fundamental that the logic of that also extends as far as possible to both club's having an equal support on the day. Hibs have proved time after time that we are capable of selling well over 20,000 tickets for a cup final. What crowds a club draws at home has absolutely no place in this discussion.