Semi-final simultaneously subject to over-demand and over-supply

Scottish Cup semi-final tickets went on sale this morning for the Hampden game against Aberdeen.  We met the same opponents in the two domestic cup finals in season 2016-17.  On both those occasions, Aberdeen were unable to sell their ticket allocation, having asked for, and received, half of the stadium.

Celtic fans logging in to buy tickets this morning were told there were not enough tickets available to satisfy all Celtic fans who bought tickets to earlier Scottish Cup games against Airdrie and St Johnstone, therefore meeting the qualifying criteria.

The upshot of this is that Aberdeen have zero chance of selling their allocation while Celtic fans who have already supported the competition by buying tickets will be locked out, further frustrated by the sight of empty seats on TV.

The SFA’s ticket allocation policy ensures that another showpiece Hampden game is simultaneously subject to over-demand and over-supply.  Adam Smith will be spinning in his Edinburgh grave.