Celtic ‘surprised and disappointed’ by Hearts away allocation cut as Jambos explain reason behind decision
The champions’ away allocation at Tynecastle has been cut by 20% for their upcoming fixture
Celtic are ‘surprised and disappointed’ by the decision from Hearts to cut their away allocation at Tynecastle.
On Sunday, November 29, the sides will meet in the capital for the first time since the Hoops dramatically defeated their Edinburgh rivals in May to secure last season’s Premiership title. Some Hearts players and staff were accosted during a post-match pitch invasion as they were forced to leave Glasgow as soon as possible for security reasons.
Six months on, Hearts have now cut Celtic’s away allocation at Tynecastle to 508 tickets - a 20% decrease from their last trip to Gorgie. A Jambos statement revealed the decision was made to ‘increase segregation’ for the grudge match.
Celtic respond to Tynecastle allocation cut
A Hoops statement read: "We have been informed by Heart of Midlothian FC that we will receive an allocation of 508 tickets for our forthcoming match at Tynecastle Stadium at the end of this month. Clearly we are surprised and disappointed at this move, which represents another cut of around 20 per cent on our previous allocation and follows significant reductions across recent years. However, to be very clear, this is out of our control and is the decision of the home club."
While the clash in two weeks time will represent their first meeting of the season in Edinburgh, Celtic already faced Hearts at home last month in a 7-1 thrashing of the visitors, whose away fans were given their usual compliment. Celtic have already faced similar allocation issues with Glasgow rivals Rangers as it was announced in September that no away fans will be allowed at Old Firm games for the remainder of the 2026/27 season.
Why have Hearts cut Celtic’s allocation?
A statement from last season’s runners-up read: "As part of the security arrangements for this fixture, we have increased the segregation within the away section at Tynecastle. This will result in a reduction in the visiting allocation and is intended to help ensure the match can be managed safely and effectively."
Hearts have gradually cut the away allocation of both Glasgow clubs in recent years due to high demand for home tickets. However, they continue to give Edinburgh rivals Hibs the full Roseburn Stand due to a long-standing agreement.
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