The news headlines towards the end of this week were all dominated by the Glasgow Derby ticket allocation story.
We all know the reasons why this story continues to rumble on. We are all aware of why the ticket allocations were cut in the first place and who is to blame for this five-year-long soap opera.
However, Celtic boss, Brendan Rodgers has opened up on the current state of play and has backed the Celtic board’s reasons for refusing the current allocation for September’s fixture at Ibrox.
Rodgers said [The Daily Mail], ‘Ultimately, from the club’s perspective, it’s about the safety of the game. That’s obviously the priority.
“I’ve been lucky enough to watch the games over many years and to be a part of them in my first period here. I probably don’t want to get too much into it just now because of the timing of it.
“I can talk more leading into the game on it. But I’ve got my own views on it, having felt the atmosphere and everything with it.”
Celtic’s Ibrox stance is correct
I don’t think you will hear too many fans complain about Celtic’s reasons for refusing the Ibrox ticket allocation. As Brendan Rodgers states, the priority for the club should always be the supporters’ safety.
No doubt, it will be disappointing for those supporters who love going to the Glasgow Derby Ibrox fixture. Undoubtedly it is a great occasion to be a part of especially when Celtic are victorious against our rivals.
However, I detect from Rodgers’ response that he seems to be hinting that he would like to see a return to the old allocation. His comments about the atmosphere of the game are a clear reference to when he used to take Celtic to Ibrox in his first tenure as the manager and there were 7k+ fans there.
Will we ever see the return to that allocation again? It’s very unlikely anytime in the near future. With the Ibrox club needing to accommodate their season ticket holders in the Broomloan stand now, the logistics of allowing extra away fans are a lot more complex now.
In other news, New name enters Celtic transfer mix; Bhoys consider summer move for striker
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