THE Scottish FA has hit back after Scotland Women’s stars called out the limited number of tickets for the squad’s clash with Spain.
Players criticised the allocation made available for the World Cup qualifier duel at Hampden Park.
Scotland Women players criticised the limited number of tickets available for their game against Spain at Hampden ParkCredit: The Sun
The team, who competed in the contest for the first time in France 2019, face their Spanish opponents at their national stadium on April 12.
However, just six sections at the ground, which has a 51,866 capacity, have been made available and are reportedly close to selling out.
Those sections are P1 to P3 and L4 to L6.
West Ham’s Lisa Evans, on loan from Arsenal, and Leicester’s Sophie Howard are among the players who expressed dismay at limited tickets for the match.
And they highlighted large crowds seen at a number of women’s football games in recent weeks.
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Last week Barcelona broke the attendance record for a women’s club fixture with more than 91,000 fans at the Nou Camp for their clash with Real Madrid.
A number of players from both clubs could be in line to feature in the Spain side due to visit Hampden Park next Tuesday.
Scotland aces including Manchester City’s Caroline Weir took to social media to share concerns over limited tickets for the duel.
In a coordinated statement shared via their official Twitter accounts, Evans, the rest of her team-mates said: “Following record attendances at recent women’s football matches, the SFA have only opened a fraction of the 50,000 plus capacity Hampden Park.
“How are we expected to grow the game when only limited tickets are available for our supporters? Come on @ScotlandNT we can do better.”
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In response the Scottish FA says every seat at Hampden will be made available should they be required.
And the association responded to the tweeted posts from players.
A statement published on their website today said: “The ticketing sales process used at Hampden Park is identical to most across Scottish football, with tickets sold in blocks, in line with ongoing demand.
“This procedure is long-established for all events within our stadium.
Scotland are hoping to qualify for the 2023 Women’s World CupCredit: Kenneth Ramsay
“The Scottish FA was therefore surprised by the flurry of identical social media posts last night from members of the Scotland Women’s national team.
“Every seat in Hampden Park will be made available should the demand require it – and we urge football fans across the country to do their bit to support Pedro Martinez Losa and his team.
“The staff who will work tirelessly until kick-off to promote the match have been hugely disappointed by the post.
“We hope the Scotland Women’s National team can refocus and inspire the nation against Spain on Tuesday.”
Within the past three years, a growing number of fans have turned out to watch Scotland Women in action.
A record crowd of 18,555 attended their pre-2019 World Cup warm-up defeat of Jamaica at Hampden Park.
