CELTIC have raised doubts over whether it will bring in a scheme to sell unused tickets like Rangers, after apologising for the "confusion" and "upset " caused after issuing a warning letter over misuse of season tickets.

Rangers have an online Secondary Ticketing scheme which allows fans who cannot attend an SPFL Premiership fixture to put his or her ticket to be put up for resale by the club.

Celtic came under fire from many fans for distributing a letter to season ticket holders confirming briefs cannot be used by any third party, including family and friends.

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In the wake of the row, one fans asked Celtic's Supporter Liaison Officer John Paul Taylor about introducing a club scheme to allow ticket holders to resell, donate or give use of their ticket which would bring in revenue for the club. He point out that French side Paris St Germain charge 10 per cent commission on all resold tickets so "you make money twice"

The officer responded: "I know it was discussed in the past for sell out games, but...I'm not sure if that letter will prohibit that in future. Would feel a bit of a mixed message."

The fan responded: "If you put in place this scheme, acknowledge that you have listened to season ticket holders' concerns and put in place a more flexible system, surely that would be the correct thing to do rather than pursuing this agenda, upsetting the fans who go week in, week out.

"It would be a straightforward scheme to set up, keep season ticket holders happy and maintain a big capacity crowd when season ticket holders can't make certain games.

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"It is seriously worth looking at."

The suggestion came after the officer apologised after the club sent letters to fans insisting that only the person named on any season ticket could use it, and fans were not permitted to give to someone else in their absence, even family and friends.

Supporter safety was the reason behind the club’s stance, while they also cited SPFL regulations.

But, while similar bans on transferring tickets to others is in place at other SPFL clubs including Rangers, the letters caused general outrage amongst fans.

Rangers' resale service provides fans selling unused briefs with credits towards future season tickets. It ranges from a maximum of £30 per adult for a Celtic game, £15 for Aberdeen, Hearts or Hibs matches to £10 for all other opposition.

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Unused tickets only go on public sale once all non-season ticket seats have been sold, according to the scheme rules.

Mr Taylor's apology read: "“So, the letter was intended to offer clarity on the use of STs (season tickets).

“We’ve recently seen a few examples of season books being used incorrectly, leading to problems for supporters on a match days.

“It was designed to avoid further problems, apologies for any confusion/upset caused.”

Celtic say the tickets rule exists to “ensure safety and security” and keeps the club “compliant with SPFL [Scottish Professional Football League] regulations”.

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The letter says that season tickets for Celtic Park are "for use of the named season ticket holder only and the use by an third parties, including family and friends is not permitted".

The club said: “We hope that by clarifying the club policy on this matter it may prevent any confusion or issues arising in future.”

The letter highlighted season ticket terms and conditions on the official Celtic website which warns that fans passing, reselling or auctioning tickets to others "will be prohibited from receiving tickets from Celtic FC".

Later Mr Taylor further clarified that there was "an element" of SPFL regulations involved, for example a requirement to record details of everyone attending, "that's in place for all clubs".

The SPFL were approached for comment.

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