HIBERNIAN Ultras boycotted the club’s first victory at Celtic Park since 2010 in response to what they called “unacceptable pricing”.
A late goal from substitute Kai Andrews sealed the stunning victory for the Easter Road outfit, but the club’s Block Seven Ultras group were refused permission to join in the celebrations.
Block Seven criticised Celtic for charging fans £40.50 each for a ticket in the away end at Parkhead on Sunday, branding the pricing “unacceptable”.
They have also backed calls for a £25 price cap on away tickets in Scotland and a flat percentage of away ticket allocations for any given stadium.
In England, a price cap, imposed by the Premier League, has been in place since the beginning of the 2016/17 season, and ensures that travelling supporters never pay more than £30 for their ticket.
In Europe, a price cap is enforced by UEFA which sees away ticket prices capped at €50 (around £43) for the Champions League, €35 (around £30) for the Europa League and €20 (around £17) for the Conference League.
The Scottish Greens have campaigned since the start of the year to see a similar £25 price cap introduced for away tickets.
Following a question from Gillian MacKay, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, during First Minister’s Questions, John Swinney said the government “will give active consideration to the proposal”.
In a new statement on a potential cap, MacKay said: “Too often, fans feel they are taken for granted or are an afterthought.
“For many families, matchday is the big day out, especially on away days, but far too many families are having to break the bank just to get through the turnstiles.
“Between rising food, energy bills and rent, supporters are being squeezed from every direction.
“When away tickets cost as much as £30 or more, that can be the difference between seeing the game or staying at home.
“That is not right, and it is not what football is supposed to be.
“That’s why I’ve proposed a £25 cap on football away tickets across Scotland.
“Last month, I wrote to all 42 Scottish Professional Football League clubs, as well as the Scottish Football Association to put fans first, and follow through on the commitment to a £25 ticket cap.”
She added: “The voices of Scotland’s loyal fans should be heard loud and clear by decision makers and amplified within the Scottish Parliament.
“That’s why today I have secured a members’ debate in Holyrood, to ask the Scottish Government if it will back my proposals.”
Fans of Celtic, Motherwell, Falkirk, and now Hibs have all recently displayed banners supporting the Greens’ calls for the price cap in a rare show of unity across Scottish football.
This evening, a members’ debate, led by Mackay, will be held in the Scottish Parliament to recognise “the contribution that football clubs and their fans make to society”.
In a statement, ultras Block Seven said: “In response to our supporters being charged £40.50 a ticket for yesterday’s match at Celtic Park, the group opted not to attend the match, protesting the unacceptable pricing.
“Away ticket prices should be set and capped at £25 at the beginning of each season to prevent supporters being overcharged. In addition, a flat percentage of away ticket allocations should be introduced for all fixtures.
“Despite the unacceptable pricing, we applaud all of the supporters who still made the trip through to Glasgow, to see a very overdue Hibs victory at Celtic Park.
“We will continue to call for a £25 away ticket cap ensuring that every supporter receives a fairer deal.”
Hibs defeated Celtic 2-1 on Sunday, ending a 16-year barren spell at Celtic Park, and piling the pressure on the Glasgow outfit in a tense title race.
Due to the victory, Hearts have been able to pull six points clear of Celtic.
Fellow title challengers Rangers’ draw to Livingstone also handed the Gorgie outfit a boost in their hunt for their first title since 1960.
