Martin O'Neill reels off Celtic and Rangers songbooks in illuminating debate and notes 'brave' call to cut away fans

Martin O’Neill reckons Hibs have been "brave" in reducing the ticket allocations for both Celtic and Rangers as the move was used in a radio debate over how to halt tragedy chanting that was heard at Old Trafford in the FA Cup tie between bitter rivals Man Utd and Liverpool.

Hibs hand the Old Firm clubs the entire South Stand at Easter Road which holds around 4000 fans but only capital rivals Heats will retain that allocation after the Edinburgh club made the decision to cut the Glasgow giants, citing "abhorrent behaviour and chanting”.

Hibs CEO Ben Kensell admitted it would hit the club financially but that it highlighted their strength of feeling. Speaking on talkSPORT last week he said: “It’s impactful and important because if we’re prepared to do that (lose money) we obviously mean it’s gone too far and a line has been crossed and we want to do so something about it and address it. That dialogue will happen with the SFA, SPFL. We have a brilliant game in Scotland were are immensely proud of and we want to make sure it’s observed in the best way possible.”

The radio station then discussed that hardline stance from Hibs after The FA slammed tragedy chanting heard at Old Trafford. O’Neill was asked about Hibs move and said of Kensell’s comments: “He was talking especially about the flares and pyros. A player going to take a corner kick and being pelted with stuff. Those things are issues (for Hibs) rather than sort of tragedy chanting. It’s been going on for a long time.

“Is it something they want to try and ban because someone from a Celtic viewpoint sings The Fields of Athenry or from a Rangers viewpoint thet sing The Sash My Father Wore? I’m not sure. It’s a brave move of him in reducing an allocation if thinks this