Celtic stand by decision to give Rangers no tickets despite 'extreme disappointment'

Celtic have responded in the Old Firm ticket row, standing by their decision to not allow any Rangers fans to attend the match at Parkhead on December 30th due to safety concerns.

Earlier today, Rangers expressed "extreme disappointment" after confirming their fans will not be allowed to attend the Premiership clash at the end of the year.

Celtic refused around 700 tickets for the trip to Ibrox earlier in the season, citing safety concerns, with the Parkhead club keen for a return to the more traditional away allocation at both grounds of around 7,500 supporters.

Rangers were keen to take 7-800 tickets for the trip to the east end of Glasgow and took their case to the Scottish Professional Football League but despite SPFL Rule I27 currently stating that "the home club must make provision for the admission of such reasonable numbers of visiting supporters" the Ibrox club were left unhappy.

Rangers released a statement which read: "Despite winning a case put to an SPFL board sub-committee, Rangers FC, with extreme disappointment, will not have any supporters present at Parkhead for the Old Firm match on December 30.

"The sub-committee agreed with Rangers that Celtic FC's stance of providing zero tickets to Rangers' fans was unreasonable.

"Despite the fact that the sub-committee agreed with Rangers, the sub-committee was unwilling to determine what a 'reasonable' number of tickets for the fixture would be.

"The sub-committee was unable to determine this reasonable number due to the fact that the other party had not submitted enough evidence on this issue, despite having ample opportunity to do so in the weeks and months leading up to the hearing.

"Rangers' position has always been clear. We want away fans from all clubs at our stadium and wish for that to be reciprocated when we travel to other clubs' grounds.

"This decision calls into question the effectiveness, and highlights the procedural defects, of SPFL Rule I27.

"To Rangers, it is grossly unfair that if a club (in this case Celtic) fails to submit sufficient evidence as part of such proceedings, it effectively ties the hands of a sub-committee in being able to determine what a reasonable number of tickets should be; especially when the sub-committee agrees that the reasonable number cannot be zero.

"Conversely, if a club (in this case Rangers) complies fully and provides all necessary information in good faith, it can still be penalised.

"The club will consider its position before participating in any further SPFL led hearings.

"Rangers, alongside several other SPFL clubs, also looks forward to the overdue findings of the ongoing, protracted SPFL Governance review.

"Rangers will be making no further comment at this time."

However, Celtic say they welcome the opportunity to resolve the issues next year.

Celtic released a statement which said: "Given the recent serious safety and matchday issues which our fans have experienced at fixtures at Ibrox and Celtic Park, Celtic's position on this matter has been very clear.

"Celtic welcomes the opportunity to seek to resolve these important issues, and it was a hearing for which the Club was very well-prepared.

"We are pleased that the sub-committee recognised the importance of safety and matchday experience issues in considering the question of a reasonable allocation for both fixtures.

"While respecting the ongoing process, Celtic stands by its decision not to allocate any tickets for away supporters for the match on December 30th.

"Celtic will continue to focus on the importance of safety and matchday experience issues as we look to address reasonable allocations at Celtic Park and Ibrox from next year, in a responsible manner."

Rangers could potentially go top of the league with a win at Celtic Park if they win their three matches before then.

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