Keith Wyness sides against Celtic as new SPFL ticket controversy emerges

Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted St Johnstone are right to limit Celtic away allocations despite huge numbers of empty seats.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Aberdeen between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed it can be “tempting to take the money” but insisted decisions have to be made for sporting reasons.

St Johnstone announced last month (10 September) that allocations for Celtic and Rangers will be reduced in an attempt to make their ground a “true fortress”.

There were around 3000 empty seats for the Hoops’ 6-0 Scottish Premiership win at McDiarmid Park on Saturday (28 September), with scores of away fans reportedly turning up in Perth with the hopes of scoring tickets.

Celtic are no stranger to huge away attendances, with recently-relegated Livingston offering the club an allocation of 7,258 in March – making up the majority of their 9,713-capacity stadium.

St Johnstone right to take hard-line Celtic stance, says Wyness

Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I’ve been in this situation as a CEO at Aberdeen when we could’ve filled the stadium with more Rangers and Celtic fans.

“Everyone asked the question about the potential revenue, but the answer was always no.

“The home fans want to try and give their team the best chance possible by keeping them to the normal away allocation.

“I know they need the revenue but they are football clubs, and they have to win football matches.

“It’s always tempting to take the money, but you’ve got to give your supporters the best voice they can to support the team.

“It’s a difficult choice, but I understand it.”

In other news, Celtic fans rage at Brendan Rodgers “arrogance” after what he’s just said.

For more Celtic and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Keith Wyness sides against Celtic as new SPFL ticket controversy emerges appeared first on Football Insider.