Rangers respond to Old Firm away fan lockout with Celtic

Rangers respond to Old Firm away fan lockout with Celtic – ‘we were taking all steps towards fulfilling the… Read More 👇

Rangers Football Club has issued a statement in response to the recent announcement that there will be no away fans permitted at the next two Old Firm derbies between Rangers and Celtic. This decision has sparked controversy and further strained the already intense rivalry between the two Glasgow clubs.

The Old Firm derbies, renowned for their fierce competition and electric atmospheres, were expected to see the return of away supporters this season. However, it is now understood that Celtic has decided not to allocate tickets to Rangers fans for the upcoming clash on September 1 at Celtic Park. In response, Rangers has announced that they will reciprocate by not providing any allocation for Celtic fans for the following fixture at Ibrox on January 2.

This development is particularly noteworthy given that Rangers are currently playing their home games at Hampden Park, with a potential return to Ibrox only being projected around September 28. This situation adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions surrounding fan attendance and the logistics of hosting matches during this transitional period.

In their official statement, Rangers expressed their disappointment with Celtic’s decision and emphasized that they had been taking all necessary steps to fulfill the agreement between the clubs regarding fan allocations. The statement read: “Rangers was today informed that Celtic will make no allocation for away fans for the September Old Firm game. The allocation to be implemented by both clubs was clear, and Rangers was taking all steps towards fulfilling that agreement.”

The club’s statement further confirmed that, in light of Celtic’s decision, Rangers would not be offering any tickets to Celtic supporters for the January 2 Old Firm derby at Ibrox. The decision, according to Rangers, is consistent with the principle of reciprocity that was embedded in the agreement reached between the two clubs and the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL).

Rangers also hinted at their intention to raise the issue with the SPFL in the near future. It remains to be seen how the league will respond to this situation, particularly in light of the broader implications for fan engagement and the overall atmosphere at one of Scottish football’s most iconic fixtures.

The absence of away fans at Old Firm derbies is a relatively recent development. Traditionally, these matches have seen substantial allocations for traveling supporters, contributing to the intense atmosphere that makes the Old Firm one of the most famous rivalries in world football. However, in recent years, both clubs have significantly reduced the number of tickets made available to away fans, citing safety concerns and the desire to maximize home support.

This latest development has reignited debates about the importance of away fans in football and the impact their absence has on the spectacle of the game. For many supporters, the presence of away fans is an essential part of the Old Firm experience, adding to the rivalry and the unique energy of these encounters.

As the situation develops, both clubs and the SPFL will likely face increased scrutiny from fans and the media alike. The decision to lock out away supporters will undoubtedly be a major talking point in the lead-up to the September 1 fixture and beyond, with many eagerly awaiting further developments and potential resolutions to this ongoing issue.