NEARLY 40,000 football fans will be banned from drinking on trains ahead of the Scottish Communities Cup Final clash on Sunday.
Boozy St Mirren and Hearts supporters face on-the-spot fines if they flout the travel rules while on their way to Hampden Stadium.
But further chaos is expected for Hearts fans as rail services have been cancelled due to engineering works.
The clash between the Paisley and Edinburgh clubs has generated a wave of hysteria with St Mirren loyals snapping up 14,000 tickets.
Hearts bosses are also on course to sell all their 25,500 allocated seats – this includes a further 3,500 supplied by SPL bosses.
Edinburgh supports were are warned there will be no service beyond Polmont on the Edinburgh-Glasgow via Falkirk High line because of engineering works at Linlithgow.
Rail bosses urged fans to board either of the Airdrie/Bathgate or Shotts services and supporters from Linlithgow should travel by bus or other means of transport.
Supporters are also advised that all seats on the official club buses for the big game have been sold out.
A ScotRail spokesman said: “We have worked closely with industry partners, including the clubs and British Transport Police to deliver a plan that will help thousands of fans enjoy the big day.
“To limit the impact of Network Rail’s engineering improvements near Linlithgow, we recommend fans from Edinburgh use the routes via either Airdrie or Shotts.
“We would also encourage fans to plan ahead, by buying tickets in advance and allowing plenty of time for their journeys, as services are likely to be busy.”
British Transport Police confirmed an alcohol ban was in place as public transport are to be “dry” zones before and after the match.
A BTP spokesman said: “Yes, as I understand there are to be number of dry zones on certain public transport but this is a matter for ScotRail.”
