Barry Ferguson has expressed his satisfaction that Celtic and Rangers have reached an agreement to bring back away fans to derby matches, though he admitted he would have preferred a larger allocation for visiting supporters.
The interim Rangers boss will have the backing of a travelling contingent when his side faces Celtic at Parkhead next month. The two clubs have agreed to allocate four percent of the stadium capacity to away fans for the remaining derby fixtures this season.
Reflecting on the return of away supporters ahead of Rangers’ trip to Celtic Park in March, Ferguson said: “Good to hear our fans will be at Celtic Park – it is something the fixture has missed.
“In an ideal world, there would be more, but I’m just glad our fans will be in the stadium.”
Celtic released a statement confirming the arrangement: “We can confirm that following the previous SPFL determination from last year and with necessary requirements being addressed, away supporters will be present at the next two Glasgow derby matches this season at Celtic Park (March 16) and Ibrox.
“Allocations will be around 4% of saleable capacity at both stadia.
“Further ticket information will be provided in due course.”
Rangers also issued a statement, which read: “Rangers supporters will be able to attend our match with Celtic on March 16, with the two clubs agreeing for a reciprocal percentage of tickets to be allocated to away fans.
“Approximately four per-cent of saleable capacity at both stadia will be given to the visiting club, with everyone at Rangers looking forward to having the backing of our supporters in the East End of Glasgow in just over a fortnight’s time. The arrangement will then be repeated for the Old Firm derby at Ibrox following the split.
“Specific ticketing information will be communicated to eligible supporters in due course.”
The return of away fans marks a significant step forward for the Glasgow derby, restoring an element of atmosphere and rivalry that has been absent in recent years. While Ferguson wishes for a larger away allocation, the agreement ensures that both sets of supporters will once again play a part in one of football’s most iconic fixtures.
