Celtic supporters may finally have something to applaud the board for — and it comes at Rangers’ expense.
In a move that has sent excitement rippling through the fanbase, Celtic are reportedly preparing to demand a huge away allocation for the upcoming Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox. And if the figures being discussed are accurate, it could be one of the biggest travelling supports seen in this fixture for years.
According to reports, Parkhead chiefs are expected to push for more than 10,000 tickets for the showdown with Rangers. Under Scottish Cup regulations, away sides are entitled to claim up to 20 per cent of the stadium’s capacity — a significant jump from the reduced allocations seen in recent league encounters between the two Glasgow rivals.
For league matches, both clubs have operated under a Euro-style agreement that limits travelling fans to around five per cent of capacity. That arrangement has typically meant Celtic taking roughly 2,000 supporters to Ibrox for Premiership fixtures.
But the cup is a different story.
Scottish Cup rules give the visiting club the right to request up to one-fifth of the total tickets available. For a stadium the size of Ibrox, that opens the door to a five-figure travelling support — and Celtic are expected to pursue the full amount permitted.
Reports suggest the Hoops will aim to secure at least the entire Broomloan Stand, which traditionally houses away supporters. Even if the final number does not exceed 10,000, it is anticipated to dwarf the allocations seen in recent years.
The final figure has yet to be confirmed, and Police Scotland will play a key role in any decision due to security concerns surrounding what is always a high-risk, high-intensity encounter. Safety considerations will be central to discussions before any allocation is signed off.
Talks between both clubs are expected to take place during a pre-operations meeting ahead of the fixture. Should an agreement not be reached, the Scottish FA could step in to resolve the matter.
Celtic will first travel to Ibrox on March 1 in the Scottish Premiership under the existing five per cent allocation model. That match will see around 2,000 Hoops supporters inside the stadium.
However, all eyes are on the Scottish Cup clash scheduled for the weekend of March 7.
If Celtic do succeed in securing anywhere close to the 20 per cent threshold, it would represent a dramatic shift in atmosphere — and a rare moment where supporters feel the board have gone on the offensive.
For a fanbase that has often voiced frustration at executive decision-making, this could be seen as a statement move.
And if the reported numbers become reality, Ibrox may be awash with green and white in volumes not seen for a long, long time.