Celtic revoke Rangers tickets as NO...

Celtic revoke Rangers tickets as NO away fans at next two Old Firm… Read More 👇

The fierce rivalry between Celtic and Rangers has intensified with the latest news that away fans will be excluded from the next two Old Firm matches. This development comes after the two clubs, both giants of Scottish football, encountered a fresh dispute over ticket allocations.

Last season, both clubs reached an agreement that allowed approximately five percent of the tickets at their respective grounds to be set aside for away supporters. This arrangement meant that around 2,500 fans from each club could attend Old Firm matches at either Celtic Park or Ibrox, ensuring that both sides had support during these high-stakes encounters. The deal was seen as a step forward in managing the highly charged atmosphere that typically accompanies these fixtures and was expected to continue into this season.

However, the situation has now dramatically changed. Concerns have been raised by Celtic regarding the upcoming Ne’er Day derby, and as a result, the club has made a significant U-turn on the previous agreement. Celtic is set to host the first Old Firm clash of the season on September 1, with Philippe Clement’s Rangers team coming to Parkhead. Over the summer, Celtic has invested heavily in upgrading security measures both inside and around their stadium to ensure the safety of fans during the match.

In contrast, Rangers have encountered delays at Ibrox, which has temporarily forced them to play their home matches at Hampden Park. Due to these delays, Rangers have not been able to implement the same level of security measures that Celtic has put in place. This discrepancy has led to a breakdown in the earlier agreement between the two clubs. With Celtic set to visit Rangers on January 2, 2024, they have not received the assurances they expected regarding fan safety and security at the Govan venue.

As a result, Celtic has decided not to allocate any tickets to Rangers fans for the September 1 derby. This decision is likely to prompt Rangers to take a similar approach when the teams meet again in January, resulting in a complete lockout of away supporters at both fixtures.

This move marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the Old Firm matches. The presence of away fans has traditionally contributed to the electric atmosphere that characterizes these derbies, which are among the most intense in world football. By excluding away fans, both clubs are making a bold decision that will undoubtedly alter the experience for players and supporters alike.

The decision to lock out away fans from these matches highlights the ongoing challenges in managing one of football’s most passionate and volatile rivalries. While safety concerns are paramount, the exclusion of away supporters may reduce some of the tension that typically accompanies these games. However, it also detracts from the traditional atmosphere that has defined the Old Firm for decades.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how this decision impacts the relationship between the clubs and their fans, and whether it sets a precedent for future fixtures. For now, all eyes will be on the upcoming matches, with both sets of supporters watching closely to see how their teams perform in the absence of away fans.