As Rangers fans, we’ve always known that the Old Firm derby is more than just a football match—it’s an event that encapsulates the passion, history, and rivalry of Glasgow’s two biggest clubs. For years, the roar of both sets of supporters added to the spectacle, making each fixture an unforgettable experience. So when the news broke in March that away fans would finally be reintroduced, it felt like a step towards a return to tradition. But, as we now know, that hope has been dashed.
A Welcome Return to Tradition—Or So We Thought
When the SPFL announced earlier this year that away fans would be returning to Old Firm derbies in reasonable numbers, there was a collective sigh of relief from the majority Rangers and Celtic supporters. Let’s face it, Old Firm matches without away fans just aren’t the same. The energy, the atmosphere, the back-and-forth between supporters—these are the things that make the derby so special. The planned 5% allocation for away fans, although not the full return to the glory days of larger allocations, was at least a step in the right direction.
Rangers and Celtic Open Talks on Away Fans’ Return
Both clubs seemed to agree on this, and the decision was broadly welcomed by the fanbase. Finally, we would see that vital slice of away support at both Ibrox and Celtic Park once more. But now, as the September derby approaches, we’re faced with the stark reality that this agreement has fallen through—at least for now.
The 5% Allocation: A Broken Promise?
Rangers had sold season tickets that occupy the stand where Celtic fans would traditionally sit at Ibrox, and while we knew this meant we weren’t going back to the original numbers, the 5% allocation still offered a reasonable compromise. After all, Old Firm derbies are meant to be about rivalry on and off the pitch, and the presence of away fans plays a crucial part in that.
However, despite the agreement reached in March, we’ve now been informed that Celtic will not be allocating any tickets for Rangers fans for the September fixture at Celtic Park. This isn’t just disappointing—it’s frustrating. Rangers had been preparing to honour the 5% agreement, only to be met with a sudden U-turn from our rivals.
Delayed Stadium Works: The Real Culprit?
So, what’s the reason behind this disappointing turn of events? The situation is complicated by the ongoing renovation work at Ibrox, specifically the delayed completion of work on the Copland Stand. To be clear, this work is unrelated to the changes required to meet the away fan agreement with Celtic, but it has nonetheless had a knock-on effect.
Rangers Face Further Venue Challenges for Upcoming Season Amid Ibrox Renovation Delays
While Celtic seems to have completed their side of the bargain by making the necessary adjustments at their stadium, Rangers have been forced to temporarily relocate to Hampden Park, and the required work at Ibrox hasn’t been finished in time. Yes, Rangers are indicating that the necessary changes will be completed ahead of the next Old Firm fixture at Ibrox in January, but as fans, we’ve heard promises before that haven’t materialised on time.
What Next for the Old Firm Derby?
As things stand, no away fans will be present at the September Old Firm, and Rangers have confirmed that the same will apply for the January fixture at Ibrox. This is a significant blow to the derby’s atmosphere and to the spirit of the agreement that was supposed to bring back a slice of normality to these matches.
It’s clear that the situation is far from ideal, and while we can only hope that the necessary work at Ibrox is completed soon, it’s disappointing that the excitement surrounding the return of away fans has been dampened. The Old Firm derby is special for many reasons, but without the presence of both sets of fans, it loses some of its magic. Let’s hope that by the time we next face Celtic, this issue will be resolved, and we can get back to the full-blooded atmosphere that makes these matches truly great.
Until then, we can only keep our fingers crossed and our voices loud, supporting Rangers as best as we can, whether we’re in the stands or cheering from afar.