Last season, the SPFL intervened to put an end to the ongoing feud between Celtic and Rangers regarding traveling fans. An agreement was reached, allowing a five percent allocation of away fans at each venue for the new season.
However, we’ve learned that Celtic has recently informed Rangers that they will NOT be providing tickets for the upcoming clash on Sunday, September 1, at Parkhead. This decision follows private discussions with the police and Glasgow council officials.
Celtic reportedly invested a six-figure sum in preparations for Rangers’ visit next month, planning for an allocation of 2,500 away fans.
However, they remain unconvinced that Rangers have made similar arrangements for the scheduled January 2 clash at Ibrox. Rangers are currently using Hampden while development work is underway at Ibrox, and they have not provided the assurances Celtic requested to confirm that necessary permissions will be in place on time.
This has led Celtic to fear that their fans could be excluded from the second derby of the season, prompting them to inform Rangers that they will not allow light blues supporters into their ground.
This stand-off marks the latest controversy between the clubs over Old Firm tickets. Last March, broadcasters Sky Sports expressed their dissatisfaction with the ongoing dispute and urged the SPFL to intervene. At that time, it seemed the issue had been resolved, with both clubs agreeing to a five-percent away fan allocation.
The SPFL even released a statement confirming the return of visiting supporters to the fixture, saying: “Following engagement with both clubs, the SPFL is pleased to confirm that Rangers FC and Celtic FC will provide ticket allocations of around 5% for away supporters, for SPFL matches between the two clubs.
“This will be effective from the Scottish Premiership season 2024/25, subject to all necessary requirements being satisfied at both Ibrox and Celtic Park.
“It does not affect the remaining two league matches between the clubs in season 2023/24, which will remain at a zero allocation for away supporters.”
Yet, despite this previous agreement, the clubs find themselves at odds once again.
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