5% Update

Aberdeen have ‘reluctantly’ agreed to follow other clubs and agree to give the Old Firm their 5% admin fee. Today the club published a statement on the official website telling fans there would be a reintroduction of categories for SPL fixtures. All Old Firm games will be category ‘A’ and all others will be category ‘B’.

This, however, will only affect non-season ticket holders wishing to sit in the South Stand. From January 17th, 2009, tickets for category A games will £1 higher in the South Stand to cover the ‘5%’ costs. But, people who buy these tickets will be given a voucher they can use within the next two category A games that will get them £1 off their ticket so Aberdeen fans don’t lose out due to the whole situation, only Old Firm fans. This is so Aberdeen hope Old Firm fans will then be against the whole 5% thing and turn on their club, in a bid to stop charging the 5% admin fee.

And, since Celtic and Rangers are charging a 5% admin fee for selling tickets when they come to Pittodrie, Aberdeen are going to charge Celtic and Rangers a 5% admin fee when Aberdeen supporters travel to Parkhead and Ibrox. This though, will not apply to other SPL clubs.

Aberdeen managing director Duncan Fraser told RedWeb: ‘At the very outset my aim was to ensure that both Aberdeen fans who regularly attend home games, whether as season ticket holders or purchasing for individual games were not out of pocket. I also wanted to ensure that the Club were cash neutral.The actions I have put in place will ensure that this is the case.’

Although upping the prices for the South Stand will increase the amount of money given to the Old Firm in the 5% admin fee ever so slightly, it means Aberdeen will not lose any money.

Well done Aberdeen I say. FTOF.