Celtic-Rangers derby away fans to return next year, says SPFL

“This remains subject to all necessary requirements being satisfied at both Ibrox and Celtic Park.”

An agreement had been reached in March between the SPFL and the two clubs to reintroduce away fans.

However, Rangers on Wednesday said they would not adhere to that in January after being informed “that Celtic will make no allocation for away fans for the September Old Firm game”.

“The allocation to be implemented by both clubs was clear and Rangers was taking all steps towards fulfilling that agreement,” Rangers stated on their website.

“In the meantime, we can confirm that no away allocation will apply for the January Old Firm fixture at Ibrox. This is consistent with the reciprocity embedded in the agreement reached between the clubs and the SPFL.”

Given the size of the respective stadiums, about 2,500 Celtic fans would have been able to visit Ibrox, with 3,000 Rangers supporters for games at Celtic Park.

However, since then, Rangers have had to take temporary residence at Hampden Park because of delayed renovation work to their Copland Stand.

An SPFL spokesperson added: “The presence of away fans is a vital ingredient of the passion, drama and excitement that is the hallmark of the William Hill Premiership.

“We are pleased that Rangers and Celtic are committed to achieving the return of away supporters to their derby matches as soon as possible.”

Rangers ended the long-standing convention of allowing 7,500 Celtic fans into Ibrox in 2018 and reduced that to around 10% of that total, with Celtic following suit.

Eventually, neither club accepted tickets for each other’s grounds for safety reasons, leading to the SPFL intervention.