Barry Ferguson laments 'sad' Hearts away ticket cut as John Hartson joins in unanimous Celtic and Rangers 'party' verdict

Barry Ferguson and John Hartson are in unanimous agreement that Hearts cutting away allocations for Celtic and Rangers is 'sad'.

It's a point previously raised by Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers when it was revealed that the Jambos would offer around 500 tickets for visiting Old Firm fans who enjoyed allocations upwards of 3,000 supporters at Tynecastle. But the decision from the Hearts hierarchy comes amid the backdrop of many clubs in the Scottish Premiership taking briefs away from Glasgow's big two with an emphasis put on home support. It's something that former Rangers captain and Record Sport columnist Ferguson doesn't like to see.

And Celtic hero Hartson, who reckons the Hoops solid record in Gorgie has every chance of continuing this weekend when Rodgers men travel to the capital on Sunday, joined in on the unanimous verdict that Hearts simply don't want the big guns having a party on their own turf.

Ferguson told Go Radio: "I was just about to say, it's a bit sad. I can only speak for when I played there, I'm sure John will be the same, we used to have the full stand behind the goal. So if it's 500 fans, they will still try and create an atmosphere. I don't like the way things are going in terms of the away fans. I don't think it's enough to be honest."

Hartson added: "They don't want to give Celtic or Rangers the extra advantage I would have thought because they've got that reality. Not to say that Hibs haven't, and with the derby games you would expect them to give Hearts the same when they play at Easter Road. Obviously when Celtic or Rangers go ahead it's a racket, they make a hell of a sound when celebrating.

"Maybe that's part of it, they don't want Celtic taking three and a half thousand fans there and