Hearts and Motherwell have written to the SPFL seeking answers for the away-fan lockouts at Celtic Park and Ibrox, according to the Scottish Daily Mail [print edition, 28/09, back page].
Celtic haven’t been able to accommodate away supporters whatsoever this season. This is down to the main stand being used as a “Red Zone”, with the Hoops needing to use the away section to give their own disabled supporters safe access to matches.
And the Mail reports that Hearts are ready to lodge a formal complaint before they head to Ibrox later this month. Both they and Motherwell reportedly want an answer by the end of September. However, the SPFL will only consider the issue if a formal complaint is lodged.
SPFL rules state that clubs must make a reasonable ticket allocation available to away supporters. However, this can currently be set at zero due to guidelines introduced for the Covid pandemic.
The decision to allow Bayer Leverkusen fans access on Thursday night also likely won’t go down well with SPFL clubs. However, the Celtic SLO explained why this can be done only days ago. Responding to a supporter’s query on Twitter, he stated that UEFA Red Zone requirements are now minimal, but remain in place for domestic matches.
This gives Celtic a lot more leeway to accommodate away supporters. Something that needs to be acknowledged by complaining clubs.
Celtic Park lockout continues to be necessary; Hoops have nothing to hide
It’s difficult to know what basis Hearts, Motherwell, or anyone else could complain about this with. It’s not as if Celtic are doing this out of spite. There are clearly no other alternatives for the Hoops to take until red zones are removed.
Celtic have nothing to gain from locking out away supporters. There’s no real financial benefit, and you certainly can’t say we’re a club that does things like this out of spite.
As soon as the red zone areas are removed, Celtic will allow away fans in. It’s as simple as that. Until then, they’re prioritising their own season-ticket holders. How can anyone take issue with that?
You also have to chuckle at the prospect of Hearts making a complaint. The same Hearts that locked Celtic fans out of Tynecastle on matchday one. You would think they would understand the state of play.
Celtic can’t speak for Rangers’ actions of course. They’ll have their own defence to make, but for us it’s pretty self-explanatory. The red zones are causing a huge problem and need to be tackled soon.
Until it does, away fans will continue to be locked out. Celtic are putting their own supporters first here and will continue to do so.
In other news, Report: Callum McGregor to make Scotland squad despite Celtic injury woes
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