FAI disappointed with ticket allocation for Scottish clash

THE Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has put the blame on the Scottish Football Association (SFA) following anger from Irish fans who didn’t receive tickets.

Many Republic of Ireland fans who expected to receive tickets from the FAI were left disappointed when they were informed they weren’t getting any, but in a statement the FAI have shifted the blame elsewhere by criticising the lack of tickets they received.

“The FAI received a minimum 5% ticket allocation from the SFA for the away match in Scotland equating to 3,209 tickets. Demand for these tickets is four times higher than the number available.

“The Association regrets that the SFA has not increased this allocation to date. It is particularly disappointing that the Scottish FA is continuing to sell tickets on its website after they had told us that the match was sold out. Many of these tickets are now being taken up by Irish supporters out of desperation, a situation that could be resolved easily by providing adequate numbers of away tickets in a designated Irish section of the stadium.”

The statement went on to explain where the tickets have went with just 1,700 tickets going to supporters clubs, season ticket holders, known away supporters and Club Ireland members with clubs and leagues receiving 700, Abbey Travel receiving their contracted 15% (481) and 128 going to sponsors with the remaining 200 going to players, backroom team, FAI staff and management.

With not long until the game, the FAI have said they will continue lobbying the SFA for more away end tickets to be released for the match at Celtic Park.

“Although many tickets were provided for known away supporters, the Association recognises that there are supporters who expected tickets and did not receive them. So far, the Association has secured an additional 150 tickets from companies in Scotland for corporate €160 seats that will be given to supporters who missed out at the general admission price of €60. The FAI regrets any situation in which supporters remain without tickets.

“We continue to call on the SFA to provide adequate numbers of seats for Irish supporters, and in the meantime will strive to find remedies for ticketless supporters where possible.”