AWAY fans are officially BACK at Old Firm matches – starting with next month’s derby at Celtic Park.
A frustrating fan lockout has been in place for two years and the clubs have been at loggerheads ever since.
Nico Raskin pleads with the supporters after Arne Engels is struck by an object[/caption]
Rangers and Celtic fans during a derby match Celtic Park[/caption]
The dispute dated back to 2018 when Gers reduced the away allocation for all visiting fans – including Celtic.
Coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic around 700 away supporters were allowed to attend games at Ibrox and Celtic Park.
But this fell apart after nasty scenes during the New Year‘s clash of 2023, with Celtic citing fears over fan safety as their reason for refusing future allocations.
Rangers also highlighted negative experiences for their fans at Parkhead and both sides have struggled to agree on a solution ever since.
The SPFL stepped in last season to demand that the two Glasgow rivals end their feud over access to visiting supporters.
An agreement was reached to allow a five per-cent away allocation at each venue, starting this campaign.
But the freeze on away fans continued after Celtic wrote to Rangers ahead of the first derby fixture of the current season to say they would NOT be welcoming travelling supporters for the September 1 match at Parkhead.
Celtic had spent a six-figure sum on planning for Rangers’ visit but they claimed the Ibrox club hadn’t done the same on their end.
Of course, at that time, the Light Blues were still playing out of Hampden after delays forced them to up sticks from Ibrox for several weeks to start the season.
Gers responded to the fall out and said they had been “taking all steps” towards the agreement, and returned the favour for the next derby at Ibrox by saying no Celtic fans would be allowed in.
But after constructive talks involving all parties, the March 16 meeting between the sides WILL see away fans welcomed back.
Celtic wrote: “We can confirm that following the previous SPFL determination from last year and with necessary requirements being addressed, away supporters will be present at the next two Glasgow derby matches this season at Celtic Park (March 16) and Ibrox.
“Allocations will be around 4% of saleable capacity at both stadia.”
Further ticket information will be provided in due course.
Rangers will then reciprocate in the post-split fixture at Ibrox.
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