Brendan Rodgers sets the record straight on Rangers row and makes it clear what Celtic will push for next

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Although it’s convenient for some to forget, Celtic were not at all instigators in the row with Rangers over ticket allocations.

It was a decision first made by the Ibrox side in 2018 after repeated beatings at the hands of Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic, with the official reason given as Rangers looking to house more season ticket holders.

Since then, it’s been portrayed by some media outlets and rival supporters as a back-and-forward furore, with Celtic somehow complicit in it dragging on for so long.

The fact is though, Celtic have been pushing for larger allocations for a long time.

Although they ultimately started refusing a paltry ticket amount in the hundreds, behind the scenes the Bhoys have been pushing to secure a long-term return to big away support in the derby.

Brendan Rodgers on Celtic vs Rangers ticket deal

Rodgers again made that clear in a media conference today after it was announced a 5% allocation for each club has been agreed for the 2024/25 season.

And now, it seems that Celtic have their sights on even more.

The Bhoys boss said: “It’s great news for everyone. It’s certainly something this club have championed for a number of years.

“The iconic nature of the fixture is because of the supporters. To be able to get 2,500 supporters into the stadium – and hopefully over time that can grow as well – to have them in, it’s everything.

“That’s what the game is about – the players on the field and the supporters in the stand, especially in this fixture. It’s really what makes it. It’s absolutely fantastic news – and not before time as well.

“The aim at Celtic was never to change it. So, if we can get back to what it was before it was changed then that would be great news for everyone.”

Given the ease with which Rangers can now house 2,500 fans – where before it was said to be impossible – there’s no reason why over time even bigger allocations can’t be sought.

Based on Rodgers’ comments today, that’s exactly what Celtic will be pushing for now.

That would no doubt please the SPFL, as well as Sky Sports, with more spectacle added to the fixture. It’s illogical for any party to drag their feet on a return to what had become the norm.