Fans could return later in the season but agreement for first two meetings is off the table
The SPFL have confirmed that the return of away fans to the first two Old Firm fixtures of the season is definitely off, but the door is open for it to finally happen for the final two games.
Rangers fans were set to return to Celtic Park for the first derby clash of the 2024/25 Premiership campaign on September 1, with their Celtic counterparts pencilled in to attend the January 2 clash at Ibrox after an agreement to end the lockout was reach in March. However, the Hoops hierarchy this week pulled the plug on the agreement, claiming Rangers had failed to meet the safety criteria. Celtic had planned on erecting nets around the away support for next month's game.
That's understood to have angered Light Blues bosses, who have followed suit for the New Year encounter. However, they were set to appeal to the SPFL after making it clear to Celtic that works to ensure fans' safety were to be carried out in time for them playing host to their rivals. Calls for the SPFL to take leadership of the situation have grown, with the lockout now entering into it's second season after away allocations were slashed in 2018. However, while the governing body welcomed both clubs being open to allowing away fans back in later this season, they could offer no guarantees.
A statement read: "The presence of away fans is a vital ingredient of the passion, drama and excitement that is the hallmark of the William Hill Premiership. We are pleased that Rangers and Celtic are committed to achieving the return of away supporters to their derby matches as soon as possible."
Celtic FC Rangers FC Ibrox Stadium Celtic Park Scottish Premiership
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