SPFL to reject Rangers' free season ticket play-off entry plan

Approximately 25,000 Rangers fans could get into Ibrox for nothing

The Scottish Professional Football League will tell Rangers they will not permit them to let Ibrox season ticket holders into the play-offs for free.

Rangers and Motherwell have both stated their intention to follow Hibs' lead from their home play-off last season.

On that occasion the Easter Road side were informed by the league that the rule breach would not be prosecuted.

Championship Rangers believe that has set a precedent, meaning they cannot be punished for taking a similar stance.

With 50% of gate money from each play-off game due to the SPFL, up to three home ties at Ibrox would generate hundreds of thousands of pounds to be shared out among all member clubs.

On Tuesday, Rangers confirmed that the club's board had "informed the SPFL of their intention that Rangers season ticket holders will not be charged to attend the play-off matches at Ibrox".

It added: "The club believes supporters who bought tickets for the entire season should not be asked to pay more.

"It is fundamentally wrong to ask supporters to pay for season tickets and then, at the end of the campaign, expect them to pay again to watch what will now be the most important matches of that same season.

"The club wishes to express its gratitude to all of those who bought tickets and also point out that a sensible pricing policy for play-off tickets, other than season tickets, will be announced soon so that as many Rangers fans as possible can be at Ibrox to help drive their team towards the Premiership."

Rangers, who have about 25,000 season ticket holders, say they will "comply fully with Rule C26 and pay a levy of 50% of the other ticket prices".

"Rangers recognises fully the SPFL's desire to help their member clubs but as well as having a responsibility to the game in general Rangers has to be mindful of their own fans at all times," the statement continued, before noting the exemption given to Hibernian last season, "therefore setting a precedent".

Rangers currently sit third in the Scottish Championship with one match of the normal league season remaining, which is against Hearts.

Hibernian are in second place at the moment, a position which decreases the potential amount of Premiership play-off matches from six to four.

Hibs allowed season ticket holders in for free last season when they lost out to Hamilton Academical in the play-off final.

They sought permission to do so from the SPFL board and were informed the rule breach would not be penalised on that occasion.