High-Stakes Showdown: Celtic Reject Rangers' Ticket Offer for Season Opener
Celtic rejects Rangers' ticket offer for the first Old Firm match due to safety concerns, denying Celtic fans attendance Rangers anticipate an allocation at Parkhead in December Talks ongoing regarding away support and the desire for full away allocation Scottish Premiership and SWPL coverage on Sky Sports
It is understood that there will be no presence of Celtic fans at Ibrox during the initial Old Firm clash of the season. Additionally, this exclusion may also apply to the game at Parkhead in December. Reports suggest that Rangers have made an offer of 708 tickets to Celtic for the upcoming match on September 3, which will be broadcast live on We.
Parkhead bosses have reportedly rejected the proposal, citing ongoing concerns for fan safety. Although Rangers have suggested additional precautions, certain provisions, like installing netting around the away corner at Ibrox, would not be in place by next month.
The Old Firm league games last season had no away supporters present due to safety concerns arising from incidents at both grounds in previous matches. Celtic declined the offer of tickets for the upcoming match at Ibrox due to these security concerns, but Rangers are still expecting an away allocation at Celtic Park when they face each other on December 30, broadcasted live on We.
The Ibrox club has made informal contact with the SPFL regarding this matter. However, it is known that Celtic's stance will remain unchanged, which means that no away fans may be allowed in that game as well.
Furthermore, our sources reveal that although any of the 42 SPFL clubs can submit a letter to the SPFL board to request a decision on this matter, no official request has been received from any club this season.
Celtic have expressed a strong desire for the restoration of previous away allocations. In the past, they were granted the entire Broomloan Road end at Ibrox, accommodating approximately 7,000 supporters. However, in 2018, this number was drastically reduced to around 800, aligning with the allocations of other Premiership clubs.
Consequently, Celtic reciprocated by reducing the allocation for Rangers' games in the East End of Glasgow.
Bisgrove on talks over Old Firm away support
In May, James Bisgrove, the newly appointed CEO of Rangers, announced that discussions were in progress to reinstate a portion of the Old Firm away allocation. These negotiations involve engaging with "relevant stakeholders," such as Police Scotland, in order to formulate an improved strategy.
"For the upcoming season, the corner section of the Govan Stand, where the tickets were previously sold, will not be available," he stated.
"However, we have the option to reinstate that allocation, which would consist of approximately 700-800 tickets, our maximum capacity."
Furthermore, it entails a more comprehensive discourse. It is crucial to engage in this dialogue with all relevant stakeholders due to the multitude of perspectives it encompasses.
Additionally, Bisgrove expressed his belief that a return to the initial allocation is unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future.
"We will make the decision that best serves Rangers and our loyal supporters.
I understand that some may wonder if we can return to the traditional allocation of 8,000. However, I believe that possibility is unlikely."
"We need to see where the conversations go. But I don't think that is imminent at the moment."
McGregor wants full away allocation to return
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Celtic captain Callum McGregor desires an increase in away Old Firm allocations, emphasizing the need to restore the full capacities for these games. McGregor believes that the current practice is diminishing the overall "spectacle" of the matches.
Hopefully, we can revive the spectacle and bring back the larger away crowds we had in the stadium a few years ago. It certainly added a unique element.
While we must currently accept the situation, my hope is to regain the larger allocation we had in previous years.
"It's already a challenging encounter to visit their stadium accompanied by passionate supporters--but it becomes even more difficult when there are no fans present.
What do the rules say?
Rule i27 of the SPFL regulations mandates that the Home club should make arrangements for the inclusion of a reasonable number of away fans in each home League Match and Play-Off Match. The specific number is subject to prior agreement between the Home and Visiting Clubs. In the event that they fail to reach an agreement within 14 days prior to the scheduled date of the respective League or Play-Off Match, the Board will exercise its authority to determine the allowable number of visiting supporters, and its decision shall be conclusive and obligatory."Scottish Premiership and SWPL on Sky Sports
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