From next season both clubs will provide an allocation of around five per cent for away fans for all Scottish Premiership meetings; the final two league matches this season will be played with no visiting supporters; watch Rangers vs Celtic on April 7 live on Sky Sports
Friday 29 March 2024 22:39, UK
Celtic and Rangers have agreed to let away fans return to Old Firm matches in the Scottish Premiership from next season.
The final two league meetings between the clubs last season and first two top-flight encounters this campaign were both played without visiting fans.
Supporter safety concerns were outlined as part of the reasoning and that lockout will be in place for the rest of this season.
However, following talks between the clubs, SPFL and police - the league's governing body has confirmed there will be a five per cent away allocation in place from 2024/25 - subject to all necessary requirements being satisfied at both Ibrox and Celtic Park.
That will mean around 3,000 Rangers fans will be able to attend matches at Parkhead, while around 2,500 Celtic fans will be at Ibrox.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said: "It's huge and it's something this club have been championing for a number of years. Given the iconic nature of the fixture it deserves for both sets of supporters to be in.
"There are two sets of people who have missed out, the players in terms of the game and the atmosphere that's created and then very importantly the supporters because they are what makes this fixture.
"It's absolutely brilliant news and it's great for the game and Scottish football as a whole that we can produce a game that has that passion and with both sets of supporters there we'll look forward to that when it comes."
Rangers manager Philippe Clement said: "I think everyone loves football with two sides of fans who sing against each other or sing towards each other and to have this atmosphere.
"Nobody enjoyed the Covid period when there were no fans, that was really difficult and, for me, it was really strange to play in Celtic Park without our supporters.
"It was the first time for me, it was a strange experience so I think every player and every manager wants both sides in the stadium.
"Football is about that, it's about entertainment and entertainment from two teams. It's a very positive thing for me."
"Following engagement with both clubs, the SPFL is pleased to confirm that Rangers FC and Celtic FC will provide ticket allocations of around five per cent for away supporters, for SPFL matches between the two clubs.
"This will be effective from Scottish Premiership season 2024/25, subject to all necessary requirements being satisfied at both Ibrox and Celtic Park.
"It does not affect the remaining two league matches between the clubs in season 2023/24, which will remain at a zero allocation for away supporters."
In a statement, the Ibrox club said: "Rangers' position has always been for away supporters to be present at these games, and with this move, a significant number of our fans will be able to support our team at Parkhead in seasons ahead."
Celtic have won both Old Firm clashes this season, beating Rangers 1-0 at Ibrox in September followed by a 2-1 victory in December.
The clubs go head-to-head again, live on Sky Sports, on April 7 - without away fans - in a key fixture in this title race, while another league meeting will will follow after the split.
Brendan Rodgers' Celtic are currently one point ahead of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, however, the Ibrox club do have a game in hand.
Watch Rangers vs Celtic on April 7 from 11am, live on Sky Sports Football.
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