Rangers recently expressed their profound dissatisfaction with the decision to deny their fans any tickets for the upcoming Glasgow Derby clash at Celtic Park.
This announcement comes despite Rangers’ victory in an SPFL Board Sub-Committee case, where the committee sided with Rangers, deeming The Hoops’ stance of not allocating any tickets to their rivals as unreasonable.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Rangers said [STV]: “Despite winning a case put to an SPFL Board Sub-Committee, Rangers FC, with extreme disappointment, will not have any supporters present at Parkhead for the Old Firm match on December 30.
“The Sub-Committee agreed with Rangers that Celtic FC’s stance of providing zero tickets to Rangers’ fans was unreasonable.
Celtic, however, remains steadfast in their decision. Their stance is clear: until significant safety improvements are made at Ibrox Stadium for their visiting fans, Rangers supporters will not be welcomed at Celtic Park for the derby. This tough stance by Celtic highlights the ongoing safety concerns for away fans in these high-tension matches.
CeltsAreHere were told by a source at Celtic Park there have been talks of Rangers considering the installation of safety nets around the away supporters’ section at Ibrox, which, in itself, is an acknowledgment of the current safety issues. The lack of away fans at these crucial matches diminishes the vibrancy and spirit traditionally associated with the Glasgow derbies.
This issue traces back to when the original allocation for Celtic fans at Ibrox was drastically reduced, leaving thousands of The Bhoys’ supporters unable to attend the derby.
The path back to a more “normal” derby atmosphere, with substantial numbers of away fans from both sides, seems to require cooler heads and a commitment to fan safety above all else.
The upcoming derby at Parkhead on December 30th will, unfortunately, be another chapter in this ongoing saga, with Rangers fans notably absent.
