In a groundbreaking move for Scottish football, Rangers have initiated discussions with Old Firm rivals Celtic to bring back the electrifying atmosphere of away fans to Ibrox. This development comes after a prolonged absence of away supporters at Old Firm matches, raising hopes for a more inclusive and vibrant football experience. The negotiations aim to establish a fair and reciprocal arrangement for both clubs regarding ticket allocations, sparking anticipation among fans of the beautiful game.
Rangers have extended an olive branch by offering 750 seats to Celtic for their visit to Ibrox on April 6, 2024. In return, Rangers are seeking an equivalent allocation when they play at Celtic Park after the league splits. The exact location of the away fans within the stadium is still under negotiation and will be settled in the coming weeks.
The Mystery Behind the Absence of Away Fans in Old Firm Matches This Season
This move follows a history of disagreements between the two clubs on the issue of away ticket allocations. Earlier in the season, Celtic declined a 500-ticket allocation at Ibrox, citing safety concerns. Despite Rangers requesting a similar allocation in the subsequent match, Celtic’s refusal led to a SPFL committee ruling in Rangers’ favour, albeit without forcing Celtic to provide tickets.
Navigating the Away Fan Allocation Dilemma: Reshaping the Landscape of Scottish Football
The crux of the matter lies in the unique circumstances of the Old Firm, where both teams boast substantial traveling support. The challenge is to find a balanced approach that accommodates the large fan bases while ensuring fairness across the league. The Ibrox Insider suggests a minimum 5% allocation for away supporters, with the flexibility for home teams to offer more. Unfilled allocations should be returned and resold to home supporters within a reasonable timeframe before the fixture.
The Ibrox Insider welcomes Rangers’ proactive approach in initiating talks and advocates for SPFL intervention in setting standardized away ticket allocation rules. The proposed 5% minimum allocation, with flexibility for more if desired, aims to provide clarity for all teams. This solution ensures fairness for smaller clubs and allows stadiums to maximise attendance, enhancing the overall spectacle of Scottish football.
Rangers’ Season Ticket Waiting List and Expansion Plans:
Rangers’ commitment to their fans is evident in their consecutive sellout of 45,000 season tickets for the eighth year running. With over 20,000 fans on the waiting list, the demand for tickets is soaring.
While Rangers may not revert to selling reduced season tickets, recent announcements of stadium expansion and improved facilities within Ibrox signal a bright future for the club and its supporters.
Rangersβ Bold Move: Enhancing Fan Experience and Maximising Attendance
Conclusion
As Rangers and Celtic engage in crucial discussions, the prospect of away fans returning to Ibrox offers a glimmer of hope for a more inclusive and dynamic Scottish football experience. The Ibrox Insider’s proposal for standardised away ticket allocations could bring much-needed clarity to the league. With Rangers’ continued success and ambitious plans for the future, the Scottish football landscape looks set for positive developments that benefit fans and clubs alike.