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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Macdonald

Hibernian vs St Johnstone set to break 33-year Easter Road home attendance record

HIBERNIAN vs St Johnstone is set to break a 33-year attendance record for home fans at Easter Road.

19,500 supporters of the Edinburgh club are expected to gather in the capital in what will be the highest number of home fans at the venue since the 1-0 derby victory against Hearts in January 1989.

The match is taking place on a Friday night, as part of a new trial to try and tempt more people into grounds in Scotland.

And it appears to have worked in this instance, as Lee Johnson's team will have significant backing for the game.

Hibs chief executive Ben Kensell said: “Everyone at the club is excited for what is set to be an historic night for Hibernian FC and Scottish football.

"To have over 19,500 Hibs supporters inside the stadium - the largest number of home fans inside Easter Road for over 30 years - is absolutely magnificent.

"I’d like to thank the supporters for embracing the special ticket offering and the return of Friday night football."

The Scottish Premiership fixture will also be historic for another reason, as it will be the first game in Scotland to use VAR.

The technology will be a part of the top flight going forward, and Kensell has been keen to get across how excited the Edinburgh side is to be amongst the first teams to use the software in a league fixture in Scotland.

"Behind the scenes, we’ve been working incredibly hard to produce a memorable, special build up to the game that really marks the occasion," he added.

"With the introduction of VAR, a sold-out Easter Road and the pre-match build-up, I hope it’s a game that lives long in the memory for our supporters.”

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