Hearts and Hibs joint effort to lower Scottish Cup pricing in vain as SFA call branded 'incredibly disappointing'

Hearts and Hibs have both criticised the SFA for pricing fans out of next month's Edinburgh Derby at Hampden – after a joint effort to make the upcoming clash more affordable.

The two Edinburgh rivals meet in a Scottish Cup semi-final for the second time in three years on April 16 after Robbie Neilson's Jambos downed St Mirren while the Hibees saw off Motherwell.

The national stadium will be a sea of colour and noise after 2020's semi, won by an extra-time Liam Boyce penalty, was played behind closed doors.

But the ticket prices have led to statements from both clubs expressing their concern - and telling fans they teamed up to convince the SFA to make the game more affordable.

Most adult tickets have been set at £35 while briefs in a select few sections are £25.

A statement from Hibs, matched in similar wording and tone across the city in Gorgie, read: "After receiving the ticket information from the SFA, there were a number of long and strong conversations regarding the price and expense to our supporters.

"Our concerns were matched by Hearts as we stressed the point of making football affordable for everyone.

"We completely understand how much it costs to be a football supporter and how expensive it is to follow your team up and down the country, especially in the current climate. We explained this in detail to the SFA, however, they have not moved on their decision, which is incredibly disappointing and has caused us great frustration.

"Despite these prices, we hope to see as many Hibees at Hampden Park as possible in what will be a brilliant occasion for all involved."