Aberdeen ‘extremely disappointed’ as SPFL reject request for 50-50 split for League Cup final allocation

Aberdeen’s request for a 50-50 split of tickets for the Viaplay Cup final has been rejected by the SPFL.

The league has confirmed the Dons will receive 19,500 tickets for the Hampden showpiece against Rangers on December 17 with Rangers receiving 25,000 tickets for the final.

Aberdeen fans will be in South and East Stands with Rangers housed in the South, North and West Stands.

The Dons have expressed their dismay at the decision.

The Club robustly put its case to the SPFL to treat both teams fairly with an even share of tickets given that Hampden is a neutral venue.

Much to our extreme disappointment and frustration, this proposal was rejected by the SPFL.

Full statement on Viaplay Cup Final ⬇️

— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) November 8, 2023

Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack wrote on social media: “Just under six weeks (to go) and (Aberdeen chief executive) Alan Burrows requested time to sell half the stadium which was believed was fair for a “neutral” venue.

“We don’t sell them they go to Rangers.

“Also asked SPFL to draw for the end each stadium gets to no avail.

“Surely fair requests for any team.”

A club statement read: “The club robustly put its case to the SPFL to treat both teams fairly with an even share of tickets, given Hampden is a neutral venue and, as such, presented an option that would split the allocation for the match evenly between both competing finalists.

“The proposal suggested AFC hold back five sections on the east side of the North Stand, selling them to Dons supporters should demand require it.

“If, however, by an agreed date it was clear that wasn’t going to be the case, the tickets could then be allocated to our opponents in plenty of time in which to sell them.

“Much to our extreme disappointment and frustration, this proposal was rejected by the SPFL, who cited operational challenges and attendances at previous semi finals / finals as the principal reasons for their determination.

“As a result, Aberdeen will have up to 19,500 tickets covering the South Stand (lower and upper sections) and the East Stand.”

Just under 6 weeks & @Alan_Burrows requested time to sell half the stadium which we believed was fair for a “neutral” venue. We don’t sell them… they go to Rangers. Also asked SPFL to draw for the end of the stadium each team gets to no avail. Surely fair requests for any team. https://t.co/1nbxOBXQUY

— Dave Cormack (@CormackDavie) November 8, 2023

SPFL defend decision

The SPFL insist the the allocation was in line with Aberdeen’s last cup final appearance against Celtic in the 2018-19 season.

An SPFL spokesperson said: “Deciding ticketing allocations for cup finals is always a challenging task, as more fans invariably want to attend than the stadium can accommodate.

“We take a range of factors into consideration, including the number of tickets each club sells in the semi-finals, as well as their historic ticket sales in any previous League Cup finals and semi-finals.

“In addition, the design of the stadium and its ability to split sections is a major factor which influences our decisions, together with input from safety and security authorities to ensure fan safety and appropriate segregation.”

Ticket prices frozen

The SPFL has frozen prices from last year’s final with prices for adults ranging from £39 in the East Stand to £49 in the South Stand.

The Dons have been successful in agreeing concession tickets in all stands. Under-16 and over 65 prices range from £22-£28.

Accessible seating will also be available from £12-£18 with under-16/over 65 tickets priced at £6.

The Dons statement read: “We are pleased to confirm that, following our request and as agreed by Rangers FC, concession tickets will be available in all stands.

“In previous games at Hampden, only Dons fans sitting behind the goal (either East or West Stands) would’ve been able to take advantage of this category, which didn’t give families much flexibility on where they could watch the match.

“This has been rectified for this forthcoming final.

“We look forward to selling every single ticket we have, ensuring a large, noisy Red Army for our first final in five years.”

Viaplay Cup final ticket prices

South Stand Lower Section J1*                    Adults £49 | U-16/Over 65 £28
South Stand Lower Section I                        Adults £44 | U-16/Over 65 £26
South Stand Upper Section H                      Adults £44 | U-16/Over 65 £26
East Stand Sections F & G                            Adults £39 | U-16/Over 65 £22
South Stand Accessible Seating                   Adults £18 | U-16/Over 65 £6
East Stand Accessible Seating                      Adults £12 | U-16/Over 65 £6

*There are only 300 tickets available in each of Section O2 and J1.