Brendan Rodgers has thrown his support behind Ally McCoist’s call for the return of away fans to Old Firm matches, a sentiment that has resonated strongly following Rangers’ humbling 3-0 defeat to Celtic on Sunday, 1 September.
The absence of travelling support has been a contentious issue in recent seasons, and McCoist believes it’s time to bring back the electric atmosphere that only the presence of both sets of fans can create.
Speaking live on talkSPORT, McCoist expressed his frustration at the ongoing absence of away fans from these fixtures.
“The one thing that is missing is that it’s time to get the Old Firm fans back in the away ground,” he said on 2 September.
“I don’t know what it’s going to take but speaking on behalf of fans up and down the country, get Celtic fans back at Ibrox and vice versa.”
Rodgers, who has been a part of many intense Old Firm encounters, echoed McCoist’s sentiments, reminiscing about the unique atmosphere when both sets of supporters are present.
“It’s what makes the game, as you know, Ally,” Rodgers said.
“When I first came to Celtic in 2016, I really enjoyed both games. For Celtic and Rangers, it’s an incredible atmosphere with both sets of supporters in the ground.
“We hoped it was going to be this season, but we really hope that after these first two fixtures, we get back to normality to what it has always been because it’s absolutely fantastic.”
The absence of away fans has been felt particularly keenly this season, as Rangers have struggled to find their footing under Philippe Clement.
The 2024/25 season has not started as the Belgian manager would have hoped, with Rangers languishing in fourth place in the Scottish Premiership—a position far below their usual standards.
Clement was expected to mount a serious challenge to Celtic’s dominance, but after just four games, there is already a sense of resignation among some supporters.
Despite bolstering the squad with several new signings, the team has yet to gel, and key players have failed to deliver in crucial moments.
One such player is Robin Propper, a marquee summer signing who had a particularly difficult debut in the Old Firm. His performance was widely criticized, with Neil McCann highlighting the Dutchman’s struggles on Sky Sports.
“Obviously, the result can’t be put down to just one poor performance, but Propper had a particularly poor game,” McCann noted.
Mohamed Diomande, another high-profile signing, also failed to impress, and the lack of passion and determination throughout the squad was evident in yet another loss to their fierce rivals.
The absence of fight and the inability to rise to the occasion in such a significant fixture has left many questioning whether Clement can turn things around.
With plenty of the season still to play, there is time for Clement to find his best eleven and instill the necessary grit in his team.
However, with another Old Firm clash at Ibrox looming, he must quickly find a solution to avoid further embarrassment.
The return of away fans might just be the spark needed to reignite the passion in this historic rivalry, providing the kind of charged atmosphere that could inspire his players to rise to the occasion.