Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has expressed disappointment after the club was denied an additional ticket allocation for Saturday's match at St Johnstone. The Terrors have sold out their allocation of more than 2,000 tickets in the away stand and family section at McDiarmid Park, with American owner Mark Ogren also expected to attend.
United's allocation sold out quickly
United believe they could have taken significantly more supporters to Perth, but St Johnstone turned down a request to release additional home seats. Goodwin said the away support has been "terrific" during his time at the club.
"In my time that I've been at the club, I've always travelled and supported the team in great numbers. Of course, we're disappointed with the allocation," he said. "Selling it out so quickly and then not getting the option to get additional tickets. I don't really understand this. I don't want to get into the politics of it all."
Goodwin questions home crowd numbers
With St Johnstone expected to leave many seats empty, Goodwin questioned why the club would not want to capitalise on United's travelling support. He argued that if a team is not going to fill its own stadium, there is little point in missing out on the opportunity for extra revenue and atmosphere.
"If any team out there is not going to fill their own stadium with their own supporters, then I don't see the point in missing out on the opportunity for that particular club to make some more money, but also to add to the atmosphere and the game day experience for everyone," he added. "We could have easily sold double the amount of tickets that we've been allocated, but that's above my pay grade."
Comparison with other clubs
Goodwin noted that Hearts, Hibs, Celtic and Rangers have previously sold the rest of their allocation to their own support in similar situations. He remains puzzled by the decision to deny United the chance to bring more fans.
"Unfortunately, we were denied the opportunity. I just don't get it," he said. "If we were going to MacDermid Park and the rest of the stadium was going to be full of home supporters, then brilliant. I know Hearts, Hibs and other teams, Celtic and Rangers have done it in the past, but they've always sold the rest of the allocation to their own support."
St Johnstone currently sit above United in the league table on goal difference.
