However, a spokesman for the Dundee FC administrators, when giving out the figure of tickets sold so far, urged fans to reconsider.

“We want as many Dundee fans as possible to attend this game,” he said. “It’s vital they stay behind the team. We currently have a very young team and they need the support from the stands.

“Our fans’ efforts off the pitch have been a great boost to everyone connected with the club, but it is on-field as well as off-field that counts. The higher up the league table Dundee finish, the more beneficial it is to the club’s current problems.”

The spokesman also confirmed the administrator was working hard to find a solution before the SPL deadline on May 31.

Dundee need to have plans in place to come out of administration by that date, or face a 10-point penalty for the start of next season.

“Tom Burton is currently negotiating a creditors’ voluntary agreement (CVA), which he hopes to put to creditors as soon as possible,” he continued. “However, at this time, it is impossible to put a date on when this will happen, although he is, of course, well aware of the SPL deadline.”

Dee 4 Life and the Federation of Dundee United Supporters’ Clubs both also issued statements.

Scott Glenday, of the Dee 4 Life Football Trust, feels his body has made the correct decision.

“We have left the decision whether or not to attend Sunday’s match against United up to individual fans and supporters’ clubs,” he said.

“There was a series of meetings over the weekend, in addition to a general meeting of the Dundee Supporters’ Association (DSA), in which we gauged the opinions of supporters’ clubs.

“I also think a meeting with Tom Burton as soon as possible will be beneficial to all concerned.”

Despite this, it seems that several ‘splinter groups’ within the association are going ahead with organised events on the day of the game. Indeed, Fat Sams nightclub in Dundee is to set up a big screen to show the BBC live game, with fans being given the opportunity at that venue, and others throughout the city, of donating their match entry money to Dee 4 Life.

Dee 4 Life’s statement read, “Having gauged fans opinions on next week’s derby at Tannadice, Dee 4 Life have decided not to call an organised boycott, and to let fans make up their own minds about attending the game.

“It is anticipated that a large number of fans will opt to stay away to display their opposition to any move by the club to Tannadice, while others intend to go to the game and voice their disapproval.

“Dee 4 Life are totally opposed to any move of the club to Tannadice, and they believe the vast majority of fans feel exactly the same way. Emotion and sentiment apart, it has not been demonstrated that there is any financial benefit to the club moving away from Dens Park to become tenants of Dundee United.

“Sadly, any effect on next week’s derby attendance will be the result of a lack of consultation (by the club) with the supporters and their representatives.

“Last week, having taken legal advice, Dee 4 Life contacted both Tom Burton and HBOS to convene a meeting with a view to discussing the current position of the club and the alternative routes to taking Dundee FC out of administration.

“Also on the agenda would be the releasing of Dee 4 Life funds and seeking a return in the shape of a shareholding, a future say for supporters in the running of the club, and a guarantee that every effort would be made to maintain Dundee’s identity.

“To date, a meeting has not been arranged, but Dee 4 Life want to avoid a situation where funds are urgently required by Tom Burton, and there is not sufficient time to formalise the role supporters will play in the future.

“The newly-formed Dee 4 Life Trust will provide future investment into the club on an ongoing basis and, in return, the Trust requires a guarantee that the investment will be used wisely. The current contribution of £10,000 per month to fund the youth set-up and groundstaff costs continues to be made.

“The Trust has specifically asked that Mr Burton continues to facilitate Dee 4 Life and their fund-raising efforts as they are mutually beneficial.

“If Dee 4 Life can meet the administrators and HBOS to discuss the present business plan, the proposed route out of administration and deal with the requirement and duty of the Trust to protect supporters’ interests, then this will help all parties achieve their respective aims. In simple terms, Mr Burton can receive substantial funds from Dee 4 Life.

“All we are asking in return is a guarantee that the fans have a say in the future running of the club, which we do not think is unreasonable. We look forward to hearing from Mr Burton to move this process forward as soon as possible.”

In a separate statement, Phillip Martin, of the Federation of Dundee United Supporters’ Clubs, expressed disappointment at the Dundee fans’ overall stance. “The Federation of Dundee United Supporters’ Clubs, having observed the reaction and statements emitting from several official Dundee FC supporters’ bodies regarding the proposed ground-renting, feel the time is now right to state our reaction to the hysteria being discharged by the above entities.

“While, as football fans, we sympathise with the Dundee FC supporters’ current predicament, we feel that, as committed followers, our first priority is to support our team regardless of where they may play.

“We strongly feel that organising any official events in direct competition to a fixture, which is viewed as the pinnacle in the Dundee footballing calendar, is detrimental to the term ‘being a football fan.’ We also believe that the actions of Dundee FC ‘supporters’ attending such events shows a lack of class.

“If the roles were reversed, despite being fully behind any fund-raising activities, we are supremely confident that all Arabs would be united behind the football team come match day.”