The issue of away ticketing for the Glasgow Derby has been a contentious one for some time. The last two matches have seen Ibrox and Celtic Park open to home fans only – this after Celtic had 750 tickets for the 29 August clash at Ibrox sitting at Celtic Park, only for the Ibrox club to cancel those tickets at the last moment.
That occurred after Celtic advised the Ibrox club they were willing to match the allocation supplied for the return fixture – initially supposed to be played on 2 January – however, they could not guarantee those tickets, and instead advised the allocation would be honoured as long as any Scottish Government Covid restrictions didn’t get in the way.
With theRangers unsatisfied at what was not only a fair response, but also proved necessary, when Covid did indeed impact on the fixture schedule and the game was moved back to 2 February, theRangers decided to go ahead with the August fixture in front of their own fans only. Celtic in turn responded by doing the same for the recent 3-0 ‘skelping at Celtic Park.
It has recently been stated that away fans will return, starting with the Glasgow Derby at Ibrox on 3 April – that’s according to their Managing Director Stewart Robertson. However Celtic’s retort was to state that it’s up to Celtic to make any decisions about giving an away ticket allocation for matches at Celtic Park.
Perhaps, now is it time to tell theRangers, Celtic will refuse tickets for next game at Ibrox while at the same time informing theRangers hierarchy their support will not be welcome for the return fixture at Celtic Park after the League split.
Liam Kelly of this parish touched on the issue of vile banners and chanting exhibited by theRangers supporters during Wednesday’s visit to McDiarmid Park to play St Johnstone. If you haven’t read Liam’s excellent piece you can do so HERE.
READ THIS…The Sick Child Abuse Banners From Across The City Lack Self-Awareness, Morality & Cannot Go Unchallenged
The premise of the article however is that the behaviour exhibited by those fans around the weaponising of child abuse cannot go unchallenged, and perhaps Celtic have an opportunity to challenge that behaviour, starting with next month’s derby fixture.
Social media has already seen the debate on this subject begin, as parents in the family section at Celtic Park, close to where the visiting supporters are seated, have raised their anger and frustration at the type of chants and songs their children are exposed to during games at Celtic Park, meanwhile those in other parts of the ground such as the Jock Stein stand have stated they cannot hear what is being sung.
“The banners shown by them last night were revolting. Just pointing out this season I’ve been at games where Hearts, Hibs, Dundee and Motherwell supporters sing songs that are sickening. The orcs walk with others fascinated by this horrific topic. And @PoliceScotland have done?” Martin McLaughlin tweeted.
“I’m in 116 so that why I’m totally aware what’s sung. My 9 y/old daughter asks me what is happening, how the fk do I explain that. Been going since she was 5 but she’s at the age she asks questions. Police need to act not stewards. Some rancid people on this planet,” Martin replied.
Martin’s response: ” @CelticFCSLO – how this be escalated what I have witnessed & heard? One of my mates is in the Jock Stein and says he can’t hear it but kids in family section can. We rightly celebrate the Kano organisation who are all kids but will hear this from their seats. DM me if needed.”
theRangers fans showed just a taster of what they will bring to Celtic Park after the split, in Perth on Wednesday. As such Celtic could strike first and ensure the duty of care they have to young supporters is undertaken, by following the precedent already set by the Ibrox club earlier in the season of denying access to the Derby for away fans at Celtic Park and first refusing tickets for Ibrox in April.
This obscene, perverse obsession from their support – and also exhibited by fans of other clubs – has to be met head on. A perfect way to get that message across would be to refuse our allocation for Ibrox next month, in turn bar theRangers support from Celtic Park after the split, and at the same time put every club in Scotland on a warning that Celtic will not accept the continuation of this sort of behaviour in our stadium and where children are subjected to listening to it.
Will it work, who knows? What it will do is send out a clear message that Celtic won’t tolerate it, and it will open up a discussion as to how Scottish football deals with an issue that few wish to debate and most seem to ignore entirely.
Niall J
