SFA apologises to Tartan Army after tickets blunder

RED-FACED Scottish Football Association officials have been forced to apologise to the Tartan Army after accidentally putting tickets on sale on their website for the return of the Auld Enemy clash.

Scotland fans are desperate to get their hands on briefs for the England v Scotland clash at Wembley in August as Gordon Strachan’s side head to London on the back of their impressive 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Croatia in Zagreb earlier this month.

The English FA has allocated up to 20,000 briefs for the Scots, which will go on sale to Scotland Supporters Club members and those who bought a season ticket for Hampden for the doomed World Cup campaign.

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But the SFA was embarrassed at the weekend when a technical hitch meant the SSC website had a link where fans could purchase tickets for Wembley.

Hundreds took advantage and thought they had secured a precious ticket for the oldest international fixture in world football.

However, Scottish football’s governing body was forced to issue an apology on its Twitter page and revealed they had made a huge technical error.

And it will today have to refund all those who bought tickets.

The Scotland Supporters account stated: “Many apologies to all members who bought via a hidden link to our test site. All refunds processed on Monday as a priority.

“England tickets are NOT on sale. This is a test website only and not open to members. DO NOT BUY TICKETS. All sales will be refunded.

“As with every sale, we must test the full process. Menu item was hidden so we will investigate how this link was discovered.”

It’s the latest disappointment for fans who want to go to the first game between the two nations in 14 years. Wembley have already banned bagpipes from the clash and want more than £1,500 for large banners at the game.

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And with ticket prices for Scotland finally being announced today, visiting fans are braced for prices to be up to £65 – the same price as the home fans are being charged for the friendly.

The last time the Auld Enemy met was in 1999 when Scotland won 1-0 in the second leg of a Euro 2000 qualifying play-off at Wembley.