Martin O’Neill has insisted that Rangers are “entitled” to their away allocation for the final Old Firm derby of the season, despite the intense debate surrounding ticketing arrangements this week.
The discussion has grown louder in the aftermath of last weekend’s heated Scottish Cup clash at Ibrox, where chaotic scenes followed the final whistle.
With the Premiership split approaching, Danny Rohl’s side are still scheduled to travel to Celtic Park once more before the campaign ends. The match could prove decisive in the title race, making the ticket allocation issue even more significant.
Ticket debate gathers momentum
The controversy stems from whether Rangers supporters should receive their full away allocation for the upcoming league meeting at Parkhead.
Some voices have suggested reducing the number following the incidents at Ibrox, while others believe the traditional away support should remain part of the fixture.
O’Neill, however, was clear about where he stands.
Speaking during his press conference, he dismissed speculation that Rangers might see their allocation cut.
He said:
“Rangers will be due their allocation, won’t they? And they’re entitled to that as well too.
“It’s a league game, so I don’t think anybody’s arguing about that. The full allocation is something that I feel the fixture, although still a great fixture, has missed in recent years. And it looks, because of the happenings on Sunday, I assume that everybody will have a look at it and think, well, maybe it’s not worthwhile.
“It will not be a phenomenal concern to me from a distance, but it would be a shame if that were to be the case. It is really because there’s something pretty special about the Old Firm atmosphere, particularly when the away fans are in the numbers they were.
“In ideal circumstances, I would love it. And I’m sure lots of people would. I’m sure lots of Rangers fans would like it too, as well. Obviously, it’s still fresh in the memory. I think that, as I said, the SFA are having some meetings.
By the way, the allocation that we used up was actually in the SFA rules, isn’t that right? I assume the police will have a look at it and think it’s not worthwhile.
“It would be a real shame, from my viewpoint, from this distance.”
What happens next
With the Scottish Premiership split approaching, the final Old Firm clash at Celtic Park is expected to carry enormous weight in the title race.
Whether Rangers supporters receive the full 2,500-ticket allocation will likely depend on discussions between the SFA, police, and both clubs in the coming weeks.
For now, O’Neill’s view is clear — the derby atmosphere is at its best when both sets of supporters are present in significant numbers.