A 2-0 defeat was compounded by many Aberdeen supporters missing the kick-off at Easter Road, Hibernian following lengthy queues outside the South Stand. This fixture in Edinburgh is usually designated an all-ticket affair for travelling fans but, in a change from the norm, the SPL clubs ruled that the weekend game would be pay-at-the-gate only.

A Hibs spokesman claimed yesterday that every supporter was in the ground by 3.15pm and said those who missed the start of Aberdeen's 2-0 defeat should have arrived at Easter Road earlier.

"The biggest problem was people turning up late," said the club spokesman. However, the queues outside still snaked into the street at 3.15pm and some Dons fans could be seen taking their seats shortly before half-time. Others left the queue and opted to sit in the home end.

The Hibs spokesman admitted the entry arrangements could revert to all-ticket the next time the clubs meet in Edinburgh in February.

"It's possibly something that we could think about, in consultation with Aberdeen, in the future," he said