Why no Celtic fans were allowed to attend Old Firm clash against Rangers at Ibrox

Celtic fans were NOT allowed to attend the Old Firm clash against Rangers at Ibrox today and here's why.

Rangers and Celtic played out a thrilling 3-3 draw on Sunday as Brendan Rodgers' side remain at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The visitors opened the scoring after just 21 seconds following Daizen Maeda's bizarre, deflected strike.

Matt O'Riley doubled his side's lead with a cooly-taken penalty in the 34th minute.

The hosts levelled in the second-half as James Tavernier converted a penalty to pull one back before Abdallah Sima equalised.

Second-half substitute Adam Idah put Celtic back in front, but Rangers hit back yet again through Rabbi Matondo.

Each of Celtic's goals were met with absolute silence because no visiting supporters were allowed inside Ibrox due to a ticketing dispute between the two clubs.

Back in March 2023, Celtic and Rangers agreed that no away fans will be allowed into their respective stadiums due to concerns over 'safety and security'.

In previous games with away fans in attendance, there have been several incidents that have taken place at both Ibrox and Celtic Park.

The away allocation at Celtic and Rangers have reduced over the last few seasons.

Rangers initially cut the allocation to just 800, with Celtic making the same decision for games at Celtic Park - before no away fans were permitted.

However, away fans are set to return to Old Firm clashes next season after Celtic and Rangers reached an agreement.

Following talks, a resolution has been found, which will see an away allocation of around five per cent at both stadiums - 2,500.

The Scottish Premiership Football League (SPFL) have been involved in talks in a bid to find a solution, which started at the end of last season.

An SPFL statement read: "Following engagement with both clubs, the SPFL is pleased to confirm that Rangers FC and Celtic FC will provide ticket allocations of around 5% for away supporters, for SPFL matches between the two clubs.

"This will be effective from Scottish Premiership season 2024/25, subject to all necessary requirements being satisfied at both Ibrox and Celtic Park.

"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."

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Celtic, Rangers, Football

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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