Hearts decision on Wheatfield is backed

Derek Watson, the Trust's chairman, said most fans would wholeheartedly endorse the idea after St Johnstone chairman Geoff Brown refused a request from Hearts to reduce ticket prices for the match.

Watson pointed out that Hibs cut admission costs for their tie against Ayr United at Easter Road on Saturday with no opposition from the visitors.

Hearts will face St Johnstone tomorrow after the match was postponed at the weekend due to burst pipes at Tynecastle. The Wheatfield is expected to remain closed, a decision Watson said is sensible with a reduced crowd expected to attend.

"Crowds naturally go down for games that are not included on the season tickets, like cup matches," he explained. "Right after Christmas is probably the worst time to have a game like that and it turns out we've drawn another SPL side.

"There is some concern about the lack of atmosphere but we fully back the club in their decision. They had to do something and I think they were right."

Watson added that most Hearts fans would concur with the view that St Johnstone were being unreasonable to demand full SPL ticket prices for this game.

"I would absolutely agree with that and I think the fans totally back the club on this issue.

"We understand where they are coming from. Hibs cut their prices for Saturday's cup tie and Ayr agreed to it. Even though our game was an all-SPL tie, it was sensible to try and do the same.

"Their solution to close the stand was ultimately a sensible solution as well."