RANGERS fans today welcomed plans to flaunt SPFL rules and let Ibrox season ticket holders into the Premiership Play-Off matches for free.

 

Senior officials at the Championship club are considering not charging around 25,000 supporters to attend the games next month.

The SPFL, which banks half of the gate receipts due to a controversial levy, prohibits clubs from letting fans in for nothing.

However, Hibs allowed their season ticket holders into the second leg of the play-off final against Hamilton at Easter Road last year for free.

The Edinburgh club were not punished by the governing body on that occasion - and their Glasgow rivals believe that case set a precedent.

Allowing Rangers season ticket holders into Ibrox for free will ensure large attendances for matches which will be screened live on television.

Drew Roberton, general secretary of the Rangers Supporters Association, welcomed the proposed move by the promotion hopefuls.

He said: "I think it's a tremendous gesture by the club. It's no secret the club needs investment at the moment. I am sure that any revenue they get from the play-offs will be welcome.

"So I think this is a tremendous gesture to allow season ticket holders in for free. It shows an appreciation of the backing the fans have given the team this year.

"There's a common sense approach to the paying public at work here as well. There could be up to six games to go to. Fans might have to shell out in the region of between £120 and £140.

"If Rangers play Hibs then the chances are they will charge £28 to get into Easter Road again. That is what they have charged us for the two games there this season. That is what they charged when both clubs were in the top flight.

"I would like to think that if that (letting season ticket holders in for free) is what Hibs did last season there is no reason why Rangers couldn't do the same."

The SPFL, who declined to comment on speculation Rangers would let season ticket holders into games for free, bank 50 per cent of takings from play-off matches before expenses.

The SPFL clubs voted to retain the levy at Hampden last Thursday after a bid by Hibs, who were supported by both Hearts and Motherwell, to have it scrapped.

If Rangers were to take part in three play-off games at Ibrox - in the quarter-final, semi-final and final - they could have to pay the governing body over £1 million.

The money from the Premiership, Championship and League One play-off matches will be distributed evenly among member clubs.

Roberton added: "I am sure the fact that the SPFL were going to pocket 50 per cent of the gate money from the play-off games stuck in the throats of an awful lot of Rangers fans.

"It was a scandal the football authorities are looking for 50 per cent of the money before expenses. That is quite a financial tax.

"I think there is a general feeling that they didn't want Rangers - but they were quite happy to take the Rangers fans' money."