Old Firm: No Away Fans for Celtic and Rangers in September and January Derbies
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Old Firm Derby: No Away Fans for Initial Matches of the Season
The excitement surrounding the Old Firm derby in Scottish football is palpable, yet the beginning of this season comes with a unique twist. For the first two league fixtures, there will be no away fans present, a decision made between Celtic and Rangers amid ongoing discussions about fan allocations.
Background of Fan Allocations
Previously, Celtic and Rangers had reached an agreement to allocate a modest five percent of tickets to visiting supporters. This was a crucial development after both clubs played six consecutive league derbies without away fans. The agreement took shape following talks facilitated by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL).
Reasons for Current Restrictions
Celtic has recently communicated to Rangers that they will not provide away tickets for the first Old Firm match at Parkhead on September 1st. This decision is believed to arise from concerns that Rangers may not have completed necessary preparations at Ibrox for the match scheduled in January.
Rangers' Confidence
While Celtic has opted to exclude away fans from the first encounter, Rangers remains hopeful about fulfilling the requirements for their home match. Currently, Rangers are playing at Hampden Stadium due to ongoing renovation work at their home ground, Ibrox. The club is actively seeking to reintroduce away support and has been in talks with the SPFL regarding fan allocations.
Statements from the Clubs
Rangers released a statement expressing disappointment regarding the lack of away tickets for the upcoming match and reiterated their commitment to the agreement with Celtic and the SPFL:
"Rangers was informed that Celtic will make no allocation for away fans for the September Old Firm game. The allocation to be implemented by both clubs was clear and Rangers was taking all steps towards fulfilling that agreement. In the meantime, we can confirm that no away allocation will apply for the January Old Firm fixture at Ibrox, which is consistent with the reciprocity embedded in the agreement reached between the clubs and the SPFL."
SPFL's Role and Future Outlook
The SPFL has confirmed that away fans will not be allowed at the two initial matches of the season. However, there is anticipation that away allocations of around five percent will be provided for subsequent games, contingent upon meeting necessary requirements at both Ibrox and Celtic Park.
An SPFL spokesperson stated:
"The presence of away fans is a vital ingredient of the passion, drama, and excitement that is the hallmark of the William Hill Premiership. We are pleased that Rangers and Celtic are committed to achieving the return of away supporters to their derby matches as soon as possible."
Statements from Managers
Both managers, Brendan Rodgers of Celtic and Philippe Clement of Rangers, have advocated for the return of away supporters. Brendan Rodgers emphasized:
"It's huge and it's something this club have been championing for a number of years. Given the iconic nature of the fixture, it deserves for both sets of supporters to be present."
Rangers' manager, Philippe Clement, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unique atmosphere created when both sets of fans come together:
"Football is about that, it's about entertainment and the energy from both teams. It's a very positive thing for me."
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
As anticipation builds for both clubs' encounters, the absence of away fans presents an interesting chapter in Old Firm history. Supporters, players, and managers alike are eager for the return of traditional derby atmospheres as plans for inclusive fan participation continue.