CeltsAreHere have known for some time now that ZERO tickets would be handed out to our Glasgow rivals for the new year derby clash.
A Celtic source let us know the club would have no choice but to reciprocate after the Ibrox hierarchy pulled the rug from under Celtic back in August.
Our source also confirmed at the time that Celtic did try to open meaningful dialogue over a full return to away fans inside both Celtic Park and Ibrox going forwards. Those talks were dead on arrival after the stunt in August.
We’ve now seen several mainstream media outlets push the SPFL rule which states all clubs should make reasonable provisions for away supporters to get inside the ground.
This wasn’t something that was enforceable during the implementation of the red zone, however, there’s a chance the SPFL could force Celtic to make tickets available.
SPFL rule I27 reads: “The Home club must make provision for the admission of such reasonable number of visiting supporters at every home League Match and Play-Off Match as may be agreed in advance with the Visiting Club and, in the event of their being unable to agree such number not later than 14 days prior to the date of the League Match or Play-Off Match in question, the number of visiting supporters allowed shall be determined by the Board whose decision shall be final and binding.”
The whole thing is a bit of a farce. The Ibrox club pulled their small Celtic allocation in August because Celtic refused to 100% guarantee they would get briefs for the January game. Again, our source told us Celtic were happy to hand over the same amount of briefs but could give no absolutes because the pandemic and rules at the time could dictate otherwise. If the situation was the same or better than the August game, the Ibrox club would get their tickets.
We now might see a scenario where Celtic could be forced to hand over tickets. It would be interesting to hear the club’s stance on this and if they would bow to the rule.
We have reached out to Celtic for comment.
