Many Rangers supporters have been unhappy and rightly so, due to the situation around tickets for the friendly games this weekend against Brighton and Real Madrid.
A somewhat, confusing, contradictory and flawed approach from the club was evidenced as many fans who had not applied for friendly games, found themselves with a ticket for Sunday evening’s glamour practice game against Los Blancos – the 13 times champions of Europe, with others losing out despite applying in the first instance.
However, anticipation is building already for the return of the real stuff in next Saturday’s Premiership opener against Livingston at Ibrox.
Thankfully, the permitted crowd has been set at a decent level, with around 33% of the Ibrox capacity to be utilised.
When will the ticket draw be made for Rangers v Livingston?
A ballot will take place amongst season ticket holders to decide who the fortunate recipients will be.
No final confirmation has been provided, but earlier this week, Rangers SLO Greg Marshall stated that the draw would be made and supporters notified “early next week”.
Obviously, everyone won’t be happy but with what should be a straight one in three chance, a fair outcome should roughly be applied, to be followed across subsequent league games.
This weekend sees the unusual double-header with the visits of Brighton and Real.
On Saturday, Graham Potter’s side will play in front of 8500 fans whilst 24 hours later, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will duel with the Scottish champions in front of an increased crowd of 12,750
Now the science and rationale for the difference in numbers isn’t exactly clear but what is at this stage in regard to pandemic restrictions and the easing of them.
Crucially, Rangers have made moves and applied pressure on the autorities for a full house in a matter of weeks, including the postponement of ‘Flag Day’ until September.
A Rangers statement last week included:
“Under current Scottish Government roadmap plans, it is our expectation that we will have a full house at Ibrox for our UEFA Champions League qualifier with Malmö FF or HJK Helsinki on August 10.”