Rangers and Celtic have reached a landmark agreement to reintroduce away fans into the highly anticipated Old Firm matches, starting from next season. Approximately five percent of seating capacity at both Ibrox and Celtic Park will now be reserved for visiting supporters during Scottish Premiership clashes between the arch-rivals.

The decision marks a significant shift from previous seasons, where tensions between the two clubs had led to a dramatic reduction in the allocation of tickets for away fans. Under the recent agreement, a mutual understanding has been established to ensure a fair and proportionate representation of both sets of supporters at these iconic fixtures.

The contentious issue arose following Steven Gerrard’s appointment as Rangers manager in 2018, which coincided with a sharp decline in the number of away fans attending Old Firm derbies. Concerns over fan safety were cited as a key factor in the restriction of away tickets, with instances where Celtic declined a sizable number of tickets for matches at Ibrox.

The absence of away supporters had undoubtedly impacted the vibrant atmosphere and spectacle of the Old Firm derby, long regarded as one of the most intense and captivating footballing rivalries in Europe. To address this, discussions involving both clubs, league officials, and law enforcement culminated in the recent decision to allocate a set percentage of tickets for away fans in future fixtures.

With Rangers’ Ibrox stadium boasting a capacity of 50,817 and Celtic Park accommodating 60,411 spectators, the agreement means that approximately 2,540 Celtic fans and 3,020 Rangers supporters will have the opportunity to attend away matches moving forward. Both clubs have expressed their commitment to fostering a more inclusive and engaging environment for fans by adhering to the revised ticket allocation.

In a joint statement issued by the SPFL, it was affirmed that this new arrangement will apply to upcoming fixtures while the remaining matches in the current season will retain the existing ticketing policy. Furthermore, Rangers emphasized their long-standing stance in favor of welcoming away fans to these high-profile fixtures and hailed the decision as a positive step towards enhancing the overall matchday experience for both sets of supporters.