Celtic-daft Alan Brazil and former Rangers striker Ally McCoist have called for away fans to be allowed back into Parkhead and Ibrox for Glasgow derbies.
Celtic and Rangers have had no away supporters at their respective grounds since the 2022/23 season, with this whole fiasco starting in 2018.
But Alan Brazil and Ally McCoist all want it to end, with the latter making it clear ‘it has to change’ as they reminisced about the good old days when thousands upon thousands would travel, as they told talkSPORT (17/01/24 at 9:55 am).
It stemmed from Celtic’s dominance over Rangers, which saw those across Glasgow cut the allocation to just 800, which the powers that be at Parkhead then matched.
And now, as everyone saw when derby day king Kyogo Furuhashi scored at Ibrox at the start of the season, you could hear a pin drop when the ball fizzed past Jack Butland.
But now things could be about to change, for the better!
The Times have reported that there has been a significant development in discussions between Celtic and Rangers as the SPFL attempt to act as the peacemaker.
The two will meet again on April 6 at Ibrox and there is every chance that 750 Celtic away supporters could be in the stadium.
Away fans for Celtic v Rangers
“Celtic and Rangers fans, we know there is terrible animosity,” said Brazil. “But can we get four or five thousand at away games at Parkhead and Ibrox?!”
McCoist interrupted in the background: “It has to happen now! I told you. Sunderland v Newcastle (FA Cup), the best atmosphere I have seen in England in years. We both know better than most that the travelling fans, particularly at Old Firm games, are brilliant. They make themselves well heard. They enjoy the challenge of being outnumbered and going to support your team.”
Brazil added: “Going to the games was brilliant. When we used to watch it. There weren’t early kicks-off, not when I went. Just the build-up to them. Get walking to the ground.”
McCoist then added: “I think both clubs have to get their heads together and come up with a solution because the people who are suffering are the fans, again! It has to change. As the goals are going in and the Celtic support have nobody to laugh at. You know what I mean?! It’s not on!
Celtic looking better on the pitch
When it comes to matters on the pitch, the Bhoys have been indifferent since Brendan Rodgers returned, with that horror period in December.
But, as the players have always done, when it has mattered most, the team has stepped up and delivered the goods.
The wins in the derby matches are proof of that, with destiny now in Celtic’s hands when it comes to winning the title again.
With Rodgers getting more comfortable in his seat at Parkhead, you would think the levels of the team and the consistency of the side is going to go up a level as the second half of the season kicks off.
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