SPFL defends Rangers v Aberdeen final tickets split

The SPFL have defended the decision to give Rangers more tickets than Aberdeen for next month's Viaplay Cup final.

The Pittodrie club voiced "extreme disappointment and frustration" that their counter proposal was rejected, but the league stood by their position.

They said historic League Cup final and semi-final sales and segregation issues were among the factors in the decision.

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

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The league added that discussions had been held with both clubs and that the split "is broadly the same configuration" as for Aberdeen's most recent League Cup final, against Celtic in 2018-19.

In their own statement, Aberdeen said they had suggested an alternative strategy which would have given them the opportunity to either sell more tickets or hand over any extra to Rangers.

They said they "robustly put its case to the SPFL to treat both teams fairly with an even share of tickets, given Hampden is a neutral venue" but that it was rejected.

As a result, Rangers fans will be across the south, north and west stands, while Aberdeen supporters will be in the south and east.

Ticket prices have been frozen from last year, with additional concessionary tickets in the north and south stands.