Four Lads hit out at SPFL after ‘Embarrassing’ new Rangers saga

Stevie Clifford, the host of official Rangers partner Four Lads Had a Dream, has hit out at the SPFL for their ruling over the away allocation for Rangers visiting Celtic Park on 30 December.

In a case taken to the SPFL board, it was revealed that while they agreed with Rangers’ view, they were unable to determine a reasonable away allocation after Celtic had not submitted enough evidence. [Rangers statement]

This led to a continued refusal for away tickets to be sold for the Old Firm derby, a decision which Clifford has slammed, calling for an agreement on a reasonable allocation as has been seen when both clubs have played in Europe

Speaking on The Rangers Review [20 December], Clifford ranted: “I think it makes the governing bodies look pathetically weak in all honesty. If you agree with a club and mind in their favour but can’t do anything about it, it’s quite embarrassing from a governing body viewpoint.

“How does it get sold? I don’t know. I would like to meet in the middle somewhere, surely a European allocation could work and might work? If it suits our season ticket holders I think that’s where we should be.

“But why should we be stuck in the corner with restricted views and things when we visit there? I must admit I thought it was very rich for Celtic to be saying it’s not safe at Ibrox – I’ve been to Parkhead and it’s a bit rich for them to take the moral high ground.

“But both sides are now entrenched in their positions. It would be nice if we could get it resolved, and it definitely does take away from the derby, but do you know what in terms of next week, just go there and beat them.”

A solution is in everybody’s best interest

Clifford is right – for the board to have admitted they agree with Rangers that a reasonable amount of away tickets should be sold, but to still fall to the side when contested by Celtic shows a lack of decision making a huge weakness at the top.

There is no disputing that having away fans at the Old Firm derbies makes the game what it is. A tense and spiteful affair, with the fans inspiring both sets of players to give their all on the pitch. Without that crackling atmosphere, something feels like it’s missing.

Celtic’s demands of an increased allocation which would prevent a certain amount of season ticket holders from attending is unreasonable, but as is Rangers’ offer of an extremely limited allocation.

As has been suggested, a European allocation which would see the visiting fans fill the whole away end would make the most sense, but whether the clubs will swallow their pride and make that happen looks unlikely at this stage, and the SPFL certainly won’t step in.

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