Just copied this from another board. Didn't realise so few tickets had been sold for the match
A ticket-sale blunder outside Hampden Park before tonight’s Celtic versus Rangers legends game could have left the nominated charities with nothing, according to one of the game’s organisers, Rory Nicoll.
The “Auld Firm” game featuring former players from both clubs was arranged to make money for various charities and worthy causes including Glasgow’s Yorkhill Hospital, the Davie Cooper Centre and research into motor neurone disease.
However, contrary to expectations, there were less than 10,000 inside Hampden with thousands locked out after ticket outlets closed earlier than expected.
An angry Nicoll claims there could now be no money left over once all the bills for organising the match, which ended 1-1, are settled.
He said: “There was a decision made to close the Portakabins early which dictated the ticket sales we had.
“I don’t know if it was because of security fears or just inconvenience but from what we can gather there was as many as 5,000 fans locked out.
“We will do our best to make sure the charities get their money but the bills have got to be paid.
“We had to pay for the police, the security and for the cost of hiring the stadium.
“The running costs of the game have to come first.
“There will be money for the charities if everyone is prepared to waive their fee but I can’t see that happening.
“Our break-even numbers are around 9,500 but we will have to have a look at the accounts and see how we stand.
“We have to look at the errors made and see where that leaves us.
“We are getting all the strips from the players donated to charity so at least we will get some money from that. But we’ll have to see what the figures are.
“It is a shame but we have to give credit for the fans who did turn out on the night, I am sure they enjoyed a great game.”
