• Scottish Division Three

Elgin City v Rangers postponed

Ally McCoist has a free weekend on his hands © PA Photos

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Rangers' Scottish Third Division game against Elgin has been called off because too many tickets were sold for the Sunday lunchtime clash at Borough Briggs.

The Gers confirmed the postponement of the match due to "circumstances completely out of Rangers Football Club's control", with both clubs, Moray Council, Grampian Police and the Scottish Football League deciding on the course of action after a consultation.

A spokesman for Moray Council said: "We are extremely disappointed to have to ask the club to cancel the game. It is certainly not a decision anyone involved has taken lightly.

"We know how thousands of fans have been looking forward to the match, but there is a real risk to their safety here. The ground can only take 4,500, so another 1,000+ disappointed fans with nowhere to go is a major concern.''

Match Commander Superintendent Mark Cooper said: "On Friday afternoon it came to light that tickets for Sunday's Elgin City vs Rangers fixture had been substantially oversold.

"After discussions with the club it was clear that we were faced with the prospect of at least 1,100 extra fans turning up for what was an already sold-out fixture.

"We understand that fans will be disappointed with the cancellation of this match but our primary concern always has to be safety and we could not allow a situation that potentially put lives or the welfare of the general public at risk.''

A statement from the Scottish Football League read: "Following today's pre-ops meeting for the above match, it has come to light that there has been a substantial oversale of tickets for this fixture and Elgin City Football Club could not confirm the exact number of tickets which have been sold for this match.

"Therefore, on the grounds of public safety and in close consultation with all parties, this match has now been postponed. Further information regarding tickets which have been sold will be provided as quickly as possible.

"Elgin City FC would like to apologise sincerely for this disappointing outcome. The SFL will conduct a full investigation into the circumstances.''

Rangers boss Ally McCoist expressed his disappointment at the postponement, saying: "We are disappointed the match has been called off at such short notice and I know Elgin are as well.

"This was due to circumstances out of our control but we were informed a short time ago that there was no way the match could go ahead on safety grounds. I am sure this is a huge disappointment to our supporters, who have purchased match tickets and arranged travel in good faith.

"Elgin City have apologised to the club and we accept their apology but I feel for our fans.''

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