United anger over ticket decision

Dundee United fans have expressed disappointment that Rangers will not accept their ticket allocation for the Scottish Cup tie at Tannadice.

Last Updated: 05/12/12 at 14:28 Post Comment

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

The Ibrox club were on Monday drawn to play United in the fifth round in February, with supporters' groups immediately calling for a stay-away protest for the first match away to Scottish Premier League opposition since they were relaunched as a new company and denied entry to the SPL.

Some Rangers fans believe United chairman Stephen Thompson was an influential figure in their demotion to the Third Division.

Thompson had also refused to refund Rangers fans when a match at Tannadice between the two clubs in 2009 was abandoned at half-time due to adverse weather conditions.

In his statement confirming that the Ibrox club would not be taking any tickets, chief executive Charles Green said: "Everyone at this club is dismayed at the actions of certain SPL clubs, which were actively engaged in trying to harm Rangers when we were in a perilous situation and we are acutely aware of their attitude to us."

It is understood United have a board meeting on Wednesday with the issue on the agenda, but a lengthy joint statement from ArabTRUST and The Federation of Dundee United Supporters Clubs, read: "It's with great disappointment that we read Rangers' official statement indicating that they will not take up their ticket allocation for the Scottish Cup tie in February.

"In a time when Scottish football needs to look to the future and how we can rebuild our game, it's sad that some parties choose to refer to past alleged indiscretions against their club as an excuse to not attend the match.

"In the instances referred to by Rangers supporters, a court of law decided that Dundee United had acted appropriately in respect of ticketing post the abandoned game in 2009.

"As for the decision by the SPL to take action against Rangers in the summer, this was made by the majority of clubs - not only Dundee United."

Rangers' announcement brings into question whether they will be entitled to share in the revenue generated by the fixture.

A Scottish Football Association spokesperson said: "The matter will be discussed at the SFA board meeting on Thursday."

The issue was also addressed in the United fans' statement.

"We believe that the stance taken by Rangers brings them into disrepute in respect of the Scottish Cup," it read.

"We therefore call on the SFA to act strongly, in particular by stating that the normal competition rules in respect of an equal split of gate money do not apply in this case and that all revenues should be retained by Dundee United.

"We also put trust in the SFA using their powers to ensure that fans are free to choose whether to attend games or not and that our competitions, which rely on spectator participation to ensure continued commercial and media profile, are not devalued as a result of the actions of one member club against another."

The statement continued: "We call on all Arabs to pack Tannadice and get behind the team in February.

"The tie is a fantastic opportunity for our club to progress to the quarter final of the Scottish Cup and be just one game away from Hampden.

"As supporters bodies, we do not agree with any boycott - fans are the lifeblood of the game.

"We believe that all clubs and fans need to work together for the good of the Scottish game, rather than continue debating decisions made in the past which many have long moved on from."

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

T

hat is arguably the least inspiring England I have ever seen. There is not a single name in that list that makes me think I might actually want to watch this team. Not a one.

harry hotspur
Carroll back in England squad

Footer 365

Premier League: Nicola Cortese staying on as Southampton chairman

Nicola Cortese will remain in his role as Southampton's executive chairman after his future plans were signed off.

Agent of Simon Mignolet claims Sunderland keeper is happy where he is

The agent of Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet claims there is no substance to reports linking him with a move to Italy.

Fergie amazed by Mancini axe

Sir Alex Ferguson found it "quite amazing" that Manchester City decided to sack Roberto Mancini, and added: "I don't think it was right."

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved