Don’t get me wrong – I was delighted to get into the game for £10 – but the idea was not dreamed up for the good of ‘Well fans. Let’s be honest, Motherwell have a small travelling support and the combination of our dodgy defending and Hearts’ start to the season meant we went into the game as strong second favourites. Many fans would not have fancied paying full whack to watch us take a tanking but would have their arms twisted into going for a lower price.
A big show from the home fans
Hearts are in the wonderful position of selling out their home sections without having too much more demand – yet. The away section is therefore not that important and the benefits of a large travelling support, such as improved atmosphere and the kudos of a near sell out far outweighs any gain made by charging a mere couple of hundred people an extra fiver.
If there is any doubt about the motives of the gesture, look at the planning (or lack of it!) which seems to have been behind it. A tenner for the first six rows – even though there were seven at the front – and fifteen everywhere else. But some people paid a tenner and sat freely anywhere they wanted whilst the ticket issued bore little resemblance to where you should be sitting. Most notably of all, wait and see if there is any reciprocal agreement when Hearts visit
Motherwell and our fans benefited from the situation but that was all. As soon as it suits Hearts to change things back to normal, they will, and we’ll be back to paying £20 again. Perhaps I’m wrong though and Hearts are making a proper effort to encourage all fans back to the football…time will tell!