Glasgow pundit issues ‘big’ Rangers claim as boycott planned
Frank McAvennie has hailed St Johnstone’s decision to give Rangers fans the majority of tickets for the Scottish Cup clash.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Celtic striker blamed Saints fans for failing to fill the stadium for matchdays.
The Scottish Premiership side have opted to give up three of their four stands to the Gers fans for their fourth round Scottish cup tie at McDiarmid Park on Saturday (21 January).
Fans have been angered by the decision and some are set to boycott the fixture in protest.
As quoted by the BBC (18 January), chairman Steve Brown admitted the fans’ complaints “have merit” and “understands” if they choose to boycott the game.
When asked for his assessment of the latest, McAvennie told Football Insider: “I think in today’s climate St Johnstone have got to make as much money as they can.
“St Johnstone supporters will not like it but they can’t fill their stadium.
“I can understand the chairman. I get the supporters saying it is not right, but if you could fill the stadium they would not have to do that. They want to get as much money as they can.
“Twice a year you are getting big money because Celtic and Rangers fans will fill the stands. To give three stands away shows the amount of fans that are going to the game.
“It is not as if they are not giving St Johnstone any tickets, they just can’t fill the stadium. I have not got a problem and I do not think it will bother the players, they love playing in full stadiums. They do not like seeing empty seats.“
In other news, Rangers expert gives verdict on Ryan Kent bust-up missed by the cameras – ‘people are annoyed’.