RANGERS fans today claimed victory in their boycott of the Scottish Cup clash with Dundee United – despite 100 rebel fans buying tickets for Tannadice.

Light Blues supporters decided not to buy briefs for the showdown with United on February 2 after they were drawn to face the SPL club last month.

And the Ibrox club refused to accept their allocation due to ill feeling over their treatment by their Tayside rivals back in the summer. United, who will have to give Rangers half of the gate receipts for the fixture, decided to sell direct to followers of the Gers.

And it emerged over the weekend that 100 people have ignored appeals and bought tickets for the away end for the fifth round showdown next month since they have gone on sale on Friday.

But Rangers Supporters Assembly president Andy Kerr reckons that the boycott has still been a resounding success.

He said: "A statement has definitely been made. We normally take 5500-6500 fans to this sort of game. Given our current situation, I would have envisaged there being a full turnout of Rangers fans for this fixture had there not been issues with the opposition.

"When we were drawn to face Dundee United, I think Rangers fans felt strongly about wanting to make a point. Feelings were running pretty high.

"Dundee United spoke fairly prominently against us getting back into the SPL in the summer. There were also issues in the past with a rearranged cup game."

Kerr continued: "Dundee United have reserved the Fair Play Stand and made tickets available for it to away fans.

"There was always a risk when they took that step that fans in the Dundee area who did not normally attend games would go along.

"There are also some fans who would be compelled to go and see their team no matter what. I would never say to any Rangers fan not to go to a game.

"But I think a statement has been made. I would that now that it has that we can move on as a club. Of course, the reconstruction debate may affect things."

Kerr is hopeful fans who do attend the game will not bring the name of Rangers into disrepute – and is optimistic their safety will not be compromised.

He said: "We can normally identify every fan who goes to an away game.

"That will not be the case in this instance because Dundee United have chosen to sell tickets to fans themselves.

"Dundee United have to take responsibility for the safety of the away fans.

"I am sure the policing and stewarding of the game will be fine given everything that has surrounded the match."