My son & mum are both ST holders (5 years), on CCCS for non season ticket home games, priority access in semi-final/final ticket sales, apply for every away game (had one so far!).
My mum is silver, son is bronze (despite attending every game including friendlies, EL/CL and cup games). Therefore, both are now highly unlikely to be eligible for a ticket for the cup final.
Imagine having to explain to a 7-year-old that he can’t attend the cup final despite attending EVERY home game this season (including friendlies, champions league & cup), and despite being at the semi-final. Imagine explaining to a 7-year-old that the reason is because Rangers have decided to create a ‘loyalty scheme’ that benefits those who can dig the deepest and afford to buy their way to prestigious game/tickets, all the while lining the boards pockets.
Let’s be honest here, that’s exactly what Rangers and the board are doing - they recently introduced an edmiston house package with lifetime gold membership for the hefty sum of £50,000 (+VAT!). How many Rangers fans can realistically afford that? Also - where does it end? I wouldn’t be surprised if the club at some point introduce an option to buy gold/silver membership on an annual basis for a hefty yearly fee. Also, more hospitality package options for points - as the Edmiston house package points will fall off in a few years time.
Do I understand that issues will always arise when it comes to ticket allocation for cup finals and other prestigious games? Absolutely I do. However, what I categorically do not agree with is Rangers Football Club taking an approach which forces fans to spend MORE hard-earned cash to earn points and ‘prove’ their loyalty. Loyalty has absolutely nothing to do with how much money we spend (or can afford to spend) on Rangers TV, B-Team/ladies season tickets or Edmiston House packages. Loyalty is turning up week in, week out to support your football team - come rain or shine.
The board ought to be ashamed of themselves with the way they have treated fans over the past 2 years.
As a side note, I am not posting this for sympathy or to try and get tickets. I am posting this because it is absolutely diabolical that supporters who follow their team relentlessly are missing out to those who can buy their way up the points system.