Celtic vs Rangers: No Away Fans for First Two Old Firm Derbies This Season

No Away Fans for the First Two Old Firm Matches: A New Setback

The excitement surrounding Scottish football has been tarnished as Celtic and Rangers announce that there will be no away fans at the first two league matches of the season. This decision follows a previous agreement between the two clubs to allocate five percent of tickets for visiting supporters, a move contingent on fulfilling necessary requirements at both stadiums.

Background: A History of Rivalry

The historic Old Firm derbies between Celtic and Rangers are always marked by their intense atmosphere, driven largely by the passionate supporters of both clubs. However, for the past several seasons, the absence of away fans has dulled the experience. Following discussions involving the SPFL, there was a glimmer of hope that this season would allow for a return of away supporters to these iconic fixtures.

The Decision: No Away Allocation Confirmed

In a recent communication, Celtic notified Rangers that they would not be offering any away tickets for the highly anticipated match at Parkhead on September 1, which is set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Celtic's decision seems to stem from concerns over whether Rangers have adequately prepared their home ground, Ibrox, ahead of their meeting scheduled for January.

Rangers' Position: Taking Steps Towards Resolution

Despite Celtic’s decision, Rangers expressed confidence in their readiness to meet the required regulations for hosting away fans. Currently, they are playing at Hampden due to ongoing construction at their home ground. A statement from Rangers emphasized their commitment to fulfilling the initial agreement, highlighting that their preparations were well underway.

Continuing the Dialogue

Both clubs have been vocal about their desire to restore the match-day atmosphere that comes from the presence of both sets of fans. In previous statements, Celtic's manager Brendan Rodgers remarked on the importance of having both supporters at games, stating that "the players and the atmosphere created by supporters are what makes this fixture iconic." Similarly, Rangers' manager Philippe Clement acknowledged the unique experience of having fans from both sides, noting how vital it is for football entertainment.

Looking Ahead: Hope for Future Matches

With both clubs currently engaged in discussions with the SPFL, there remains hope that solutions can be found to allow away fans back into the stands in future fixtures. The absence of away supporters has been felt deeply by fans and players alike, and everyone involved in Scottish football is eager to see the return of the full match-day experience.

Conclusion

As the season begins, fans are left disappointed at the news of no away fans at the first two Old Firm matches. The traditional rivalry deserves to be witnessed in its full glory, with supporters from both sides contributing to the electrifying atmosphere. As negotiations continue, there is a collective hope among players, managers, and fans that both Celtic and Rangers can come to an agreement that honors the spirit of Scottish football.

Call to Action

What are your thoughts on the decision to not allow away fans? Share your opinion and engage with fellow supporters in the comments below!