Barry Ferguson believes the latest Old Firm ticket row could have longer-term consequences — and he’s not convinced they’ll be positive.
The former Rangers captain admits he’s uneasy about where things might be heading after Celtic’s decision to withdraw Rangers’ initial 2,200-ticket allocation for the upcoming clash at Parkhead. That move came in response to the disorder that followed March’s Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox.
Celtic’s position was clear. They wanted members of the Union Bears excluded entirely. Rangers wouldn’t agree to that, and the stand-off led to the tickets being pulled.
The matter was eventually taken to the SPFL, who chose not to overrule Celtic’s safety concerns. As it stands, Rangers will still receive an allocation of around 2,500 tickets — but the issue of who those tickets go to remains unresolved.
For Ferguson, that uncertainty is part of the problem.
“I’m just glad Rangers fans will be there. That was my biggest fear getting nothing at all,” he said.
“But who actually gets those tickets? Nobody knows.”
While he’s relieved that away supporters haven’t been shut out entirely, Ferguson can’t shake the feeling that this might be a step toward something bigger — and not in a good way.
He’s seen firsthand what these fixtures mean with both sets of fans in the stadium, and he worries that could be at risk.
“That atmosphere with both sets of fans is what makes it special. I’ve lived it as a player and a manager,” he said.
“But honestly? I’ve got a bad feeling. All this chaos over the last few days… it could be heading back to no away fans at all.”
For now, there will be a travelling support at Parkhead. But after everything that’s unfolded, Ferguson isn’t convinced that will always be the case.