Rangers break silence on Celtic away fan lockout as Ibrox club ‘reciprocate’ for January derby

Raging Rangers chiefs are now set to take it up with the SPFL after Celtic locked away fans out of the September 1 Old Firm derby – and told them they’ll be doing the same for the Ibrox showdown in January.

Celtic informed their rivals today they won’t be allowing away fans in as they had put provisions in place for the September encounter, including receiving planning permission from Glasgow City Council to erect nets in the away end. But after seeking similar guarantees from Ibrox counterparts, the Hoops board were satisfied provisions would be in place for the festive clash set for January 2.

Rangers though have made clear to Celtic that the agreed works will be carried out ahead of the New Year derby. And in the meantime they have told the Hoops they’ll be reciprocating the ban, at least for the January clash. A statement from the Ibrox club said: “Rangers was today informed that Celtic will make no allocation for away fans for the September Old Firm game.

“The allocation to be implemented by both clubs was clear and Rangers was taking all steps towards fulfilling that agreement. In the meantime, we can confirm that no away allocation will apply for the January Old Firm fixture at Ibrox. This is consistent with the reciprocity embedded in the agreement reached between the clubs and the SPFL.”