AWAY fans are officially BACK at Old Firm matches – starting with next month’s derby at Celtic Park.
SunSport told you first how a major breakthrough had been made in negotiations between Celtic and Rangers to resolve the frustrating fan lockout which had been in place for two years.
The dispute dates back to 2018 when Gers reduced the away allocation for all visiting fans – including Celtic.
Coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic around 700 away supporters were allowed to attend games at Ibrox and Celtic Park.
But this fell apart after nasty scenes during the New Year‘s clash of 2023, with Celtic citing fears over fan safety as their reason for refusing future allocations.
Rangers also highlighted negative experiences for their fans at Parkhead and both sides have struggled to agree on a solution ever since.
The SPFL stepped in last season to demand that the two Glasgow rivals end their feud over access to visiting supporters.
An agreement was reached to allow a five per-cent away allocation at each venue, starting this campaign.
But the freeze on away fans continued after Celtic wrote to Rangers ahead of the first derby fixture of the current season to say they would NOT be welcoming travelling supporters for the September 1 match at Parkhead.
Celtic had spent a six-figure sum on planning for Rangers’ visit but they claimed the Ibrox club hadn’t done the same on their end.
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Of course, at that time, the Light Blues were still playing out of Hampden after delays forced them to up sticks from Ibrox for several weeks to start the season.
Gers responded to the fall out and said they had been “taking all steps” towards the agreement, and returned the favour for the next derby at Ibrox by saying no Celtic fans would be allowed in.
But after constructive talks involving all parties, the March 16 meeting between the sides WILL see away fans welcomed back.
Rangers will then reciprocate in the post-split fixture at Ibrox.
Celtic wrote: “We can confirm that following the previous SPFL determination from last year and with necessary requirements being addressed, away supporters will be present at the next two Glasgow derby matches this season at Celtic Park (March 16) and Ibrox.
“Allocations will be around 4% of saleable capacity at both stadia
“Further ticket information will be provided in due course.”
The Ibrox club said: “Rangers supporters will be able to attend our match with Celtic on March 16, with the two clubs agreeing for a reciprocal percentage of tickets to be allocated to away fans.
“Approximately four per-cent of saleable capacity at both stadia will be given to the visiting club, with everyone at Rangers looking forward to having the backing of our supporters in the East End of Glasgow in just over a fortnight’s time.
“The arrangement will then be repeated for the Old Firm derby at Ibrox following the split.
“Specific ticketing information will be communicated to eligible supporters in due course.”
Interim Rangers boss Barry Ferguson said: “I’ve always said it’s something that the fixture has missed. In an ideal situation it would be great if there was more. But the way it is, the way it’s happened, the number of tickets we’re getting, I’m just glad away supporters are allowed back.
Asked specifically about a return to the days of 7,500 away fans at either venue, Ferguson said: “At this moment in time I’m just happy that the fans are back. In time, we’ll see but it’s a start.”
Defender Robin Propper said: “It is beautiful that we have fans with us to cheer us on against Celtic.”
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is another man who is relishing the return – and hoping that a return to the 7,500 allocations is just around the corner.
He said: “It’s a big part of the fixture, having been involved in it with the supporters there both when they’re away and then obviously them being taken away.
“It does make a difference, It is great for the game, it is great for the spectacle of the game and obviously ultimately for the supporters, they get their chance to see their team which is great.
“We just had to get supporters back in the stadiums again, that is the start point. Then hopefully it can get somewhere near to what we had before because that created an amazing atmosphere.
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“Football as we know is about the rivalry and there’s arguably no greater rivalry than Celtic vs Rangers in world football. There’s many great derbies but this is an exceptional one and it’s just good to have both sets of supporters in. It always adds to the spectacle.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
