Whatever time it's played tickets shouldn't be a problem. 40k minimum to Celtic.
CALEY THISTLE are set to be offered up to 10,000 tickets for the Scottish Cup final against Celtic on June 3.
The 2015 winners booked their latest showpiece appearance with Saturday’s 3-0 win over League One Falkirk with 4,000 fans cheering them on for a controversial 12.15 kick-off.
At the very least it’s believed the Championship play-off hopefuls will get 8,000 with scope for more if they believe there’s the demand.
Treble-chasing Celtic, though, will be given the lion’s share of briefs for Hampden’s 51,800 capacity.
Official ticket allocations for the finalists will be confirmed once a kick-off time has finally been decided following lengthy and edgy discussions between the SFA, the clubs, broadcasters BBC Scotland and Viaplay plus Police Scotland.
SunSport revealed yesterday that a shock lunch-time start was on the cards with it being lobbied for by the broadcasting companies who do not want a direct clash with the same day 3pm FA Cup final at Wembley competed by the Manchester clubs for the first time in competition history.
Police Scotland are also known to favour an early kick-off if there’s a will to move from the traditional 3pm slot.
That could see a 12.15, 12.30 or 1pm kick-off — with our exclusive sparking immediate outrage from Caley Thistle and Celtic supporters.
But regardless of potential nightmare travel arrangements for such an unprecedented Cup final start, there’s also outrage with the idea of Scotland’s most prestigious game of the season being effectively shunted to accommodate English football’s showpiece occasion.
A tea-time kick-off - 5pm or 5.30pm - is also on the table as an alternative option.
Caley Thistle chiefs have made their objections to an early kick-off clear to the SFA but have been bracing themselves over the last 48-hours for confirmation of precisely that.
Celtic directors are also understood to have voiced their concerns over fan travel issues, with many supporters scheduled for ferries over the Irish Sea and flights from far and wide already fully expecting a 3pm kick-off.
It’s now emerged the SFA hierarchy - very mindful of resentment growing over the possibility of a switch for earlier or later - are trying to hold firm over that starting time amid intense lobbying for them to bow.
Final kick-off confirmation is expected within the next few days.
www.scotsman.com
