Rangers supporters will finally be back at Celtic Park for the March 16 Old Firm derby, with both clubs agreeing to a reciprocal away fan allocation for the remaining league fixtures this season. Approximately four per cent of saleable capacity at both Ibrox and Celtic Park will be allocated to visiting supporters, marking the first time in years that a meaningful away presence will be restored to this historic fixture.
This move is a significant shift from the recent era of closed-door away sections, which has dampened the atmosphere of one of football’s greatest rivalries. While the allocation is still a fraction of what it once was, it represents a step in the right direction towards bringing back the passion and spectacle that defines the Old Firm derby.
A Rollercoaster of Negotiations
Rangers and Celtic initially agreed in March last year to restore a five per cent away allocation at both stadiums, raising hopes among fans that the atmosphere would return to something closer to its traditional levels. However, those hopes were quickly dashed when Celtic backtracked on the deal ahead of the September derby, leaving Rangers fans locked out of Parkhead once again.
At the time, Rangers had made preparations to honour the original agreement, but a combination of factors, including ongoing renovations at Ibrox, threw the entire plan into uncertainty. That left many supporters frustrated, feeling that yet another opportunity to restore a key element of the derby had been lost.
A Much-Needed Return for the Atmosphere
The past few years have shown how crucial away fans are to the Old Firm spectacle. The energy, intensity, and back-and-forth between the supporters inside the stadium elevate the fixture beyond just a football match—it’s a battle of passion, pride, and history. The decision to reintroduce away allocations, even at a reduced percentage, ensures that both sets of fans will once again have the opportunity to support their team in enemy territory.
For Rangers fans, this means making the trip to Celtic Park in March, a venue where our voices have been absent for too long. Equally, Celtic fans will return to Ibrox for the post-split fixture, ensuring a more balanced and vibrant atmosphere than in recent years.
What Comes Next?
While the reintroduction of away fans is a welcome step, the real question remains: will this be a temporary fix or the start of a long-term resolution? The gradual erosion of traditional away allocations has been a sore point for both sets of supporters, and many will be hoping that this is just the beginning of a larger move towards reinstating a fairer system.
Specific ticketing information will be communicated to eligible supporters in due course, but for now, Rangers fans can look forward to bringing their backing to the East End of Glasgow once again. After years of negotiations, postponements, and frustration, the Old Firm derby is finally getting back a crucial part of what makes it special—the noise, the passion, and the battle in the stands as well as on the pitch.