Celtic and Rangers have agreed to permit the attendance of away fans at Old Firm matches in the Scottish Premiership, starting from the next season. This resolution follows last season’s two league meetings and the first two top-flight encounters this campaign, which were played without visiting fans due to safety concerns.
Moving forward, both clubs will provide an allocation of approximately five per cent for away fans for all Scottish Premiership meetings. This means that roughly 3,000 Rangers fans will be able to attend matches at Parkhead, while around 2,500 Celtic fans will be at Ibrox.
The decision has been confirmed by the league’s governing body, following discussions between the clubs, SPFL, and the police. However, it is important to note that the away allocation will be in effect from the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season, subject to all necessary requirements being satisfied at both Ibrox and Celtic Park.
In a joint statement, the SPFL announced, “Following engagement with both clubs, the SPFL is pleased to confirm that Rangers FC and Celtic FC will provide ticket allocations of around five per cent for away supporters, for SPFL matches between the two clubs. It does not affect the remaining two league matches between the clubs in season 2023/24, which will remain at a zero allocation for away supporters.”
Rangers expressed their support for the decision, stating, “Rangers’ position has always been for away supporters to be present at these games, and with this move, a significant number of our fans will be able to support our team at Parkhead in seasons ahead.”
The next Old Firm match will take place on April 7, live on Sky Sports. Although this match will still be played without away fans, it holds significance in the title race as Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic are currently one point ahead of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, with the Ibrox club having a game in hand.
This decision to reintroduce away fan allocations for Old Firm matches in the Scottish Premiership is a positive step towards creating an inclusive and vibrant atmosphere for one of football’s most fiercely contested rivalries. Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of the intense and passionate support from both sets of supporters, which undoubtedly adds to the spectacle of these highly anticipated matches.