Rangers and Celtic open discussions in Old Firm fan saga...

Rangers and Celtic open discussions in Old Firm fan saga after SPFL encouragement

Rangers and Celtic open discussions in Old Firm fan saga after SPFL encouragement Rangers and Celtic have reopened talks

regarding the ongoing dispute surrounding away allocations in Old Firm clashes after the

SPFL encouraged the clubs to reach an agreement, according to The Times.

The newspaper reported on 15 January that talks are underway surrounding a potential away allocation of 750 fans when Celtic visit

Ibrox on 6 April, with the same allocation given to Rangers for the reverse fixture.

750 was also the number of away fans Celtic had previously rejected after being offered the allocation for the season’s opening Old

Firm clash at Ibrox, as they also refused Rangers’ offer to take the same number to Parkhead.

The fact that negotiations have recommenced is encouraging, and support from the SPFL should aid in their completion. The report’s

assertion that a 750 allocation may now be forthcoming is a significant advancement.

Both groups of supporters will acknowledge that the tiny number of away fans in attendance will not compare to the up to 8,000 prior

attendance totals we have witnessed, and the goal is that we can eventually surpass those figures once more.

Having both sets of fans attending the biggest games of the season always makes them better. As hostile as things are, the rival

fanbases singing against each other, and scenes of celebration are always an addition to a game

that needs no invitation to fly off the handle.

The recent Old Firm clash at Celtic Park was yet another thrilling affair – but it was desperately missing fans. After James Tavernier

pulled a goal back for Rangers with ten minutes to play (including added time), the usual roar of support from the away end was

missing and ultimately dampened the potential of the game.