Jackie McNamara believes Dundee United will have a better chance of reaching the Scottish Cup final if they are allocated half of Ibrox.
The Tangerines will line up against Rangers at the Light Blues’ own ground for their semi-final on April 12, a venue they are not happy about for obvious reasons.
Their attempt at getting the SFA to switch the tie to Celtic Park having fallen on deaf ears, United have now turned their attention to getting a fair share of tickets.
Their provisional allocation has been set at just 13,100 but, having shown they can take 28,000-plus to Glasgow for a cup final just four years ago, they are looking for more.
The stadium’s capacity is 51,082 but when you factor in the seats that would be retained for segregation, sponsors and hospitality etc, that would clip a few thousand off that figure.
As things stand, United supporters are likely to be housed in the Broomloan Stand, as well as part of the Bill Struth Main Stand, leaving “home” supporters in the Govan and Copland Road Stands.
However, manager McNamara says such an arrangement would hand an advantage to Ally McCoist’s team and he wants a more equitable distribution.
“I think, like most people, I’m surprised the decision for the semi-final venue was made so early,” he said. “I don’t understand why that was the case.
“Had it been Celtic who got to the semi-final, what would they (the SFA) have done? Kept it at Ibrox and split the allocation?
“There is no doubt Ibrox and Celtic Park are the best two stadiums available.
“Could they have changed it to Parkhead? Possibly, but we knew the situation before the draw and we certainly have enough time to prepare for the game.
“There is no doubt we are at a disadvantage. It gives Rangers an advantage because it’s their home stadium. It would be the same if it was at Tannadice because we know the stadium and the pitch.
“So they have an advantage regardless of the ticket allocation, but a 50-50 split would certainly give us a better chance.
“We will wait and see what the allocation is now that we know who we are playing.
“I would like to think we could take half the tickets. We’ve had good backing from the fans and it’s a neutral venue so I don’t see why we shouldn’t get half.”
While United will fight for what they see as their right to have at least the chance to have as many fans at the match as the opposition, McNamara insists that, on the day, he won’t need to use the furore to spur his players on.
“Whatever the decision we won’t use the chosen venue or ticket allocation to motivate the players as if it’s some type of injustice,” he said. “The chance to go and play Rangers at Ibrox to get into a final is motivation enough.
“The venue might give Rangers an advantage but it doesn’t change anything for the players or myself as far as going there to win is concerned. If it’s Ibrox, Celtic Park or Hampden, the occasion should be the only motivation needed for any player.”