Celtic won’t be issuing away tickets for the upcoming derby against Rangers at Celtic Park on January 2nd.
The club confirmed the news in a Fan Forum on Thursday, reciprocating the move by the Ibrox side ahead of the last derby.
Twitter user @Ginty1888 of fan collective The Cynic reported the news this weekend in a thread summarising what was asked and said in the meeting that included club figures such as acting CEO Michael Nicholson.
This is the right move from Celtic after our supporters were unnecessarily shut out from Ibrox in the first meeting between the two sides this season.
Rangers had initially agreed to sell tickets to Celtic fans, even going as far as printing them and sending them to the Celtic ticket office.
However, since the Bhoys couldn’t 100% guarantee New Year derby tickets months in advance, because of potential Covid restrictions, Rangers bitterly rescinded their offer of briefs.
67 Hail Hail understands Celtic had been willing and hoping to negotiate a return to bigger away supports in both stadiums for future derbies, prior to this incident.
Rangers clearly aren’t interested in any of that. In fact, it seems they don’t want us there at all. Celtic can’t be in a position of allowing our rivals to have an advantage of away support at Celtic Park, when the team has zero allies at Ibrox.
What it means for the long-term future of away supporters at the derby is unclear. This could be a one-off action from Celtic as a result of what happened earlier this year.
Likewise, staff from the two clubs could get together to figure out an arrangement for the remaining fixtures this season.
One thing is clear though – it’ll only be Celts in the stands at Paradise to kick-off 2022.
In other news, Delight for Celtic as they beat rivals in derby and march on in SWPL Cup.
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