What's happened
Celtic and Rangers will play their first two Old Firm derbies of the season without away fans due to unresolved safety concerns. This decision follows a previous agreement for limited away allocations, which has now been postponed until March 2025.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Scotsman, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers emphasized that the decision to exclude Rangers fans was a 'Rangers issue,' highlighting that Celtic had fulfilled its obligations regarding safety preparations. Meanwhile, The Independent reported that the SPFL confirmed the zero allocation for the upcoming derbies, stressing the importance of away fans for the league's atmosphere. This contrast illustrates the differing perspectives on accountability and safety between the clubs and the league's governing body.
How we got here
The ongoing dispute over away fan allocations stems from safety concerns that have persisted since 2018. An agreement was reached in March 2024 to allow limited away tickets, but recent developments have led to its suspension.
Common question
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Why are Celtic and Rangers Excluding Away Fans from Old Firm Matches?
The decision by Celtic and Rangers to exclude away fans from their upcoming Old Firm derbies has raised significant concerns regarding safety and fan engagement. This move, confirmed by the Scottish Professional Football League, has sparked discussions about the historical context of fan attendance in rivalries and the implications for the atmosphere of these highly anticipated matches.
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Why Are Away Fans Excluded from Old Firm Matches?
The decision to exclude away fans from the upcoming Old Firm matches between Celtic and Rangers has raised significant concerns and questions among supporters. This move, driven by unresolved safety issues, has sparked debates about fan engagement and the future of these iconic derbies. Below, we explore the reasons behind this decision and its implications for the clubs and their fans.
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More on these topics
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The Celtic Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Glasgow, which plays in the Scottish Premiership. The club was founded in 1887 with the purpose of alleviating poverty in the immigrant Irish population in the East End of Glasgow.
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The Scottish Professional Football League is the national men's association football league in Scotland. The league was formed in June 2013 following a merger between the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Football League.
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The Old Firm is the collective name for the Scottish football clubs Celtic and Rangers, which are both based in Glasgow. The two clubs are by far the most successful and popular in Scotland, and the rivalry between them has become deeply embedded in Scott
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Brendan Rodgers is a Northern Irish professional football manager and former player who is the manager of Premier League club Leicester City.