No Celtic Fans at Ibrox for Old Firm Clash; Parkhead Game in Doubt

Celtic fans may be locked out of Ibrox for the first Old Firm clash of the season on September 3rd, with doubts also surrounding the game at Parkhead in December. Rangers offered 708 tickets to Celtic for the match at Ibrox, but this proposal was reportedly rejected by the rival club due to concerns over fan safety. While Rangers have suggested additional safety measures, such as netting around the away corner, these may not be ready in time for next month’s fixture. Last season, the final two Old Firm league games were played without away supporters due to safety issues arising from previous matches. Despite Celtic’s refusal of tickets at Ibrox, Rangers are still anticipating an away allocation at Celtic Park in December. The issue has not been formally taken up by any club this season, and both Celtic and Rangers have previously reduced each other’s allocations for games in their respective stadiums. The desire for larger away allocations for Old Firm games remains, with Celtic captain Callum McGregor calling for a return to bigger crowds and expressing his hope that it will be resolved in the future. Rule i27 of the SPFL regulations states that the home club must agree on the number of visiting supporters allowed, but if an agreement cannot be reached, the decision falls to the SPFL board.