Steven Naismith slams SPFL over Hearts Viaplay Cup allocation as Rangers tickets call hard for boss to understand

Steven Naismith has slammed the SPFL’s decision not to hand Hearts a 50-50 split for the Viaplay Cup semi-final showdown against Rangers at Hampden.

Hearts revealed they were ‘very disappointed’ when it was announced last month they would only receive an initial batch of 18,000 tickets for the November 5 clash at the 52,000-seater National Stadium. That could rise to by a further 2,000 should Hearts supporters snap up all those briefs. The Gorgie club launched sales for the clash this morning and former Hearts and Rangers striker Naismith reckons the governing body have scored an own goal with their handling of the ticketing arrangements.

The Hearts head coach said: “I just find it hard to understand why it (even split) wouldn’t be your starting point. Clubs grow, clubs get more backing, clubs get engaged with their fanbase to increase it. Hearts have been a club that have shown that. We could easily cover 50/50 in a big semi-final game like that. It is disappointing but we accept it and we’ll deal with it.”

Hearts said in a recent statement: “The club would like to assure fans that we requested and pushed for an even 50-50 split of tickets, but due to previous sales history and the inability to segregate Hampden’s North Stand into subsections, this request was denied.

“Naturally, we are very disappointed at this outcome but we are confident that Hearts supporters will take up our full allocation and turn Hampden into a sea of maroon.”