Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has taken aim at the SPFL’s handling of empty seats in Premiership stadiums, sarcastically suggesting the league must be “the richest in the world” if clubs can afford to leave stands unfilled.
Rodgers’ remarks come amidst ongoing discussions about pyro-related charges facing Celtic and other clubs, while away ticket allocation issues continue to plague the league.
Just a few weeks ago, Celtic went to Hearts with about 600 away fans granted access, despite empty seats around the ground.
Addressing the broader state of Scottish football, Rodgers pointed to the issue of empty sections in Premiership grounds, particularly at games involving Celtic: [Celtic TV]
“I know that’s sometimes a wee bit of a challenge up here
“Sometimes I look at some of the things that we do. We must have the richest league in the world up here because I see stands that are empty.
So clubs must be full of money that they don’t need the people in the grounds and the stadium.”
Celtic have faced reduced away ticket allocations at several grounds this season. The situation has become particularly contentious in fixtures at Tynecastle, Ibrox, and Rugby Park, where home sections are often sparsely populated despite away fans being denied entry.
St Johnston did cut allocations, but their new owners have hinted that they may reverse this move.
Rodgers’ frustration is shared by fans, who argue that restricting allocations not only harms the atmosphere but also represents a missed financial opportunity for smaller clubs.
At the end of the day, Celtic cant force another club’s hand, so these restricted away briefs will likely continue for the foreseeable.
Why did you at ibrox to the list of stadia with empty seats against Celtic?