Ally McCoist makes Rangers-Celtic claim live on air...

Ally McCoist makes Rangers-Celtic claim live on air after

Ally McCoist makes Rangers-Celtic claim live on air after ‘horrendous’ Sunday incident in England

mentioned that he could steer clear of taking kids to the Rangers vs. Celtic match.

Terrible incidents between both sets of fans pouring onto the field during the FA Cup Black Country

match caused a 38-minute delay as the police resolved the problems.

Following the game, the incidents drew significant criticism; McCoist likened them to the Old Firm

rivalry, which he says is expertly managed by the police.

When asked in real time on talkSPORT [29 January, 07:09] if he could not bring little children to any

particular games, McCoist said, “It’s a good question.” That is most likely the Rangers vs. Celtic match.

It’s remarkable because, let’s face it, there have been issues in the past. In general, the cops manage the

games at Celtic Park, Hampden, and Ibrox really well—and I’m not one to tempt fate. They manage

them quite well.

“The way things are handled has resulted in a lot less trouble than there used to be. Early kickoffs and

other related events are also beneficial.

The scenes from yesterday, in which small children were seen crying and afraid while their father held

them in his arms, horrify parents and the elder generation in particular. It’s an awful sight.

Scenes at The Hawthorns are awful.

It is improbable that away fans in the home end caused the commotion south of the border, but these

were the kinds of scenes that are rarely witnessed at football games these days.

It is possible to argue that these incidents provide the SPFL and the two teams more leverage in their

ongoing negotiations to allow away fans to attend Old Firm games.

While discussions regarding a solution are still underway, Celtic has justified their non-allocation of

away fans at Parkhead by citing safety issues. In light of the events that transpired in the Black Country

derby, they now have a current example to support their allegations.

Celtic’s argument would be countered by McCoist’s commendation of the police’s efforts to defuse

tensions during Old Firm matches; but, an agreement between the two teams and the SPFL will

ultimately need to be reached, and that seems a long way off.

In other Rangers news, this week’s meeting with officials is scheduled for transfer negotiations.