The announcement of Celtic’s ticket allocation for their upcoming away match against Dundee on Boxing Day has sparked discussions among fans, particularly regarding the cost of attending the game.

Celtic’s Ticket Office has confirmed that the allocation for the match at Dens Park is 3,737 tickets, which means Celtic fans will occupy their usual spot in the away end stand behind the goal.

https://twitter.com/CelticFCTickets/status/1735336921616785781

However, the pricing of these tickets has become a point of contention. The total cost for a fan to attend the game is upwards of £40, broken down as £32 for the ticket, a £1.50 booking fee, and an £8.10 special delivery charge. These prices are being criticised by many as excessively high, particularly in the context of the current economic climate where many are more conscious of their spending.

One fan fumed “£8.10 special delivery fee? You’re having a laugh”

Another said “Absolutely disgusting! You’re ripping the p*ss out of us. Totally unacceptable!”

The option to collect tickets from the ticket office before the match against Hearts offers a slight reprieve, potentially reducing the overall cost by eliminating the special delivery fee. Nonetheless, the high ticket prices remain a concern for fans who are dedicated to following their team, especially for away games which already involve additional travel costs and time commitments.

This situation at Celtic is reflective of a broader trend in football, where ticket prices have been rising steadily, often outpacing inflation and wage growth. It raises questions about the accessibility of live football for average fans and the potential impact on fan culture and attendance. While the demand for tickets to see a successful and popular team like Celtic is undeniably high, there is a growing debate about finding a balance between generating revenue and ensuring that attending football matches remains affordable and inclusive for all fans.