Old Firm away fans still absent despite earlier agreement

Visiting supporters will still be barred from Old Firm matches despite Celtic and Rangers reaching an agreement for away fans to return earlier in the year.

Rangers issued a statement on Wednesday saying they were notified that "Celtic will make no allocation for away fans for the September Old Firm game".

The dispute means only home supporters have attended the Glasgow Derby since January 2023.

The Scottish Professional Football League said in March that the two sides would provide derby ticket allocations of "around 5%" for travelling fans from next season "following engagement with both clubs".

It is understood Rangers are deeply disappointed the agreement will not be honoured.

The club is fully in favour of away supporters being present at derbies and had plans in place to carry out agreed works well in advance of hosting Celtic at the beginning of next year.

A statement on their website read: "Rangers was today 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.

"This is consistent with the reciprocity embedded in the agreement reached between the clubs and the SPFL."

Around 2,500 Celtic supporters would have been able to attend Ibrox, with 3,000 Rangers fans in for games at Celtic Park.

However, due to ongoing delayed construction works at their stadium, Philippe Clement's side are currently playing at Hampden Park.

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