SPFL backed to step in as McCoist shocked by Celtic Rangers allocation update
Rangers have complained to league officials after being told they will get no tickets for the crucial derby at Celtic Park unless they exclude the Union Bears.
Rangers rejected Celtic’s conditions for handing over tickets for the May 10 encounter, which could have a major say in the William Hill Premiership title race. Celtic reacted with “surprise and disappointment” that Rangers did not agree to the stipulations.
The move comes after a number of supporters invaded the pitch from the area housing the Union Bears after Celtic’s Scottish Cup win at Ibrox on March 8.
A Celtic player and member of staff were allegedly assaulted as Rangers fans charged towards the Broomloan Stand after visiting fans spilled on to the pitch to celebrate.
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Part of a Rangers statement read: “Celtic informed us that they will not provide any tickets for the forthcoming game to our supporters unless we agree not to allocate tickets to members of the Union Bears.
“We have firmly rejected those conditions and have referred the matter to the SPFL board.”
McCoist calls for SPFL to ‘step in’
Ibrox legend Ally McCoist, speaking to TalkSPORT, was left shocked by the developments, branding Celtic’s actions a ‘disgrace’ and backing the league to ‘step in’.
“It’s a disgrace, actually.
“Celtic fans came on the pitch at Ibrox, of course the Rangers fans shouldn’t have came on the pitch and reacted the way they did but if the Celtic fans didn’t come on the pitch there wouldn’t have been any trouble at all.
“But to start picking and choosing who they want to come to games? Do me a favour. Plus, the fact it’s not fair, it’s absolutely not fair and they should get it sorted.” (via Rangers Review)
An SPFL spokesperson said: “The SPFL board will now appoint a sub-committee to consider Rangers’ request for a determination under SPFL Rule I27.”
That rule dictates that clubs must make provision for a “reasonable number” of visiting fans and allows the SPFL board to determine the number of tickets.
Celtic issue response over Rangers fan ban
A statement from Celtic read: “To be clear, we are ready and willing to make the full allocation as normal available to Rangers, subject to a condition regarding distribution to a particular section.
“Celtic’s priority will always be the safety of those attending Celtic Park, and following a detailed risk assessment with regards to the forthcoming match, the club has made a reasonable request of Rangers that tickets are not distributed to a section of supporters which very recently and identifiably engaged in serious violence and disorder involving Celtic supporters, staff, police and stewards.
“To our surprise and disappointment Rangers have not agreed to this request.
“Celtic are ready to engage further with the SPFL and Rangers on this matter.”
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