Celtic and Rangers have reportedly engaged in constructive discussions regarding the return of away fans to stadiums for their upcoming Old Firm derby next month. This significant development comes ahead of the highly anticipated match between the two archrivals, scheduled for Sunday, March 16, at Celtic Park. Rangers, under the interim management of Barry Ferguson, will make the trip to Parkhead with the team currently trailing Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic by 13 points at the top of the Scottish Premiership. This gap comes after a thrilling 4-2 comeback win against Kilmarnock on Wednesday evening.
According to reports from The Sun, both clubs are close to reaching an agreement that would allow Rangers supporters to fill the designated away section at Celtic Park next month. This would mark the return of away fans to the fixture, a scenario that has been absent for over a year. The two clubs are said to have reviewed and are now satisfied with the safety protocols in place, ensuring that the match can proceed without any security concerns. It is expected that Rangers will receive around 2,500 tickets for their supporters, although ticket sales have not yet begun. However, fans from both sides of the Glasgow divide have reportedly been notified about the ongoing talks and potential ticket allocation.
The absence of away fans in Old Firm matches has been a significant issue since the two sides last met in January 2023, when they played out a 2-2 draw at Ibrox. Since that match, the eight subsequent Old Firm fixtures have been played with only home supporters present. Initially, both clubs had agreed to allow away fans to return for the start of the current season. However, this arrangement was later revoked by Celtic, who expressed concerns about the readiness of Ibrox to accommodate away fans for the January 2 match. This decision came after extensive repair work on Ibrox’s Copland Stand, which was undergoing significant renovations during the summer and into the early months of the season.
The developments leading up to this March fixture suggest that both clubs are now aligned in their approach to allowing away fans back into the stadiums. This shift signals a positive step toward restoring the atmosphere of full-blooded rivalry that has traditionally characterized the Old Firm derbies. The return of away supporters is sure to add an extra layer of intensity to the already electric atmosphere, ensuring that the March 16 encounter will be one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in Scottish football this season.
Celtic and Rangers set to end away support dispute as ‘major breakthrough’ made ahead of Parkhead showdown
