St Johnstone cited VAR costs as a factor behind the ticket prices for the upcoming Scottish Cup match against Rangers.
An email seen by the Herald and Times - addressed from head of operations Ian Flaherty - stated the changed kick-off time, VAR, TV fees, ticket policies, VAT and the cost of living crisis were all factors considered ahead of the pricing announcement.
The club confirmed briefs for the match would be priced at £30 for adults and £20 for concessions with three of the four stands set for away allocation.
A number of supporters had emailed the club over the plans for the fixture which led to the correspondence with disgruntled fans on Monday.
In the correspondence, it was claimed that pricing of £20 for adults would have resulted in a net loss for the club.
The club state that the VAR costs along with policing and stewarding, VAT payments and internal costs have led to the bump in ticket prices.
A section of the email read: "The Club has considered the attendances of Season Ticket holders and supporters at Old Firm matches in recent Seasons, and despite various incentives which have been offered, Home Support attendances have been modest, to say the least.
"Despite the inconvenience to some Season Ticket Holders, it was decided to restrict the Home Support to the Main Stand, and it is hoped that this will increase the overall attendance, whilst improving the comfort of Home Supporters on the day.
"It is acknowledged that the cost of £30 for an Adult Ticket and £20 for Concessions and Under 16`s is a lot of money. This is particularly so, when looked at in the context of the very modest price increases and other incentives provided by the Club to fans over the years. The Club are making 600 tickets available for under 12`s to go free for this game, which equates to £18,000 give away at the adult ticket pricing.
"You may not be aware, but as this is a Cup game, the pricing of the tickets requires to be agreed with the opposition. Further to that, the ticket receipts are split 50/50, with the home Club incurring the Operational costs, some of which are stated below.
"There are other factors which we required to be considered, principally with regards to the substantial costs which the Club must bear to put the game on. Some of these costs would not be required in fixtures with alternative opposition whilst other costs are additional for this particular game.
"We had to consider the following:- The game was changed to a 5.30pm kick off. As a result, we have increased Police and Stewarding outgoings. We have to pay for VAR. The TV fee is £24k (and not the widely reported £80k plus figure). We are maintaining our under 12`s go free policy. You will be aware that any ticket price has an element of VAT- A £30 ticket means we have to account to HMRC for £5 per ticket. Generally, the rising cost of living has impacted on our internal costs such as heating (undersoil), lighting and others.
"You will appreciate that we endeavour to ensure that the Club is run sustainably. If we were to restrict pricing to say £20 per adult ticket, this would have resulted in a net loss.
"I hope that this response satisfies any concerns that you have and puts some context on the decisions taken in respect of pricing, which in our view are in the best interests of the Club."
St Johnstone were approached for comment.
