Rangers 'extremely disappointed' not to have fans at Celtic Park on 30 December
- Published
Like their last trip to Celtic Park in April, Rangers will not have supporters in attendance
Celtic say they want to "address reasonable allocations" for derbies after Rangers expressed "extreme disappointment" at having no supporters at Celtic Park on 30 December.
Away fans have not been at recent Old Firm games, including Celtic's win at Ibrox in September, but a small number of visiting supporters attended the first two league derbies last term.
"We want away fans from all clubs at our stadium and wish for that to be reciprocated when we travel to other clubs' grounds," said Rangers.
"Despite winning a case put to an SPFL board sub-committee, Rangers FC, with extreme disappointment, will not have any supporters present at Parkhead for the Old Firm match on 30 December.
"The sub-committee agreed with Rangers that Celtic FC's stance of providing zero tickets to Rangers' fans was unreasonable.
"Despite the fact that the sub-committee agreed with Rangers, the sub-committee was unwilling to determine what a 'reasonable' number of tickets for the fixture would be.
"The sub-committee was unable to determine this reasonable number due to the fact that the other party had not submitted enough evidence on this issue, despite having ample opportunity to do so in the weeks and months leading up to the hearing."
Rangers went on to add the outcome was "grossly unfair" and feel they have been "penalised" despite providing "all necessary information in good faith".
Celtic cite 'safety and matchday experience issues'
Celtic refused an allocation of around 700 tickets for the 3 September fixture at Ibrox over safety and security concerns.
The Premiership leaders responded to the Rangers statement on Tuesday with one of their own, insisting they had been "very well-prepared" for the SPFL board sub-committee meeting.
"We are pleased that the sub-committee recognised the importance of safety and matchday experience issues in considering the question of a reasonable allocation for both fixtures," it read.
"While respecting the ongoing process, Celtic stands by its decision not to allocate any tickets for away supporters for the match on 30 December.
"Celtic will continue to focus on the importance of safety and matchday experience issues as we look to address reasonable allocations at Celtic Park and Ibrox from next year, in a responsible manner."
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