ALLY MCCOIST is confident away supporters will be allowed access to future Old Firm fixtures despite a ban at Parkhead and Ibrox this term.
The final two derby clashes of the Premiership title race will be played in front of home crowds only following discussions between both clubs in recent weeks.
But the Glasgow giants will have a 50/50 split of Hampden for the Scottish Cup semi-final showdown next month as they go head-to-head for the penultimate time this season.
A series of incidents - including clashes in the streets around the National Stadiums before the Viaplay Cup final - have marred this fixture for some time now.
And Ibrox legend McCoist knows victory in the famous showdown would be all the sweeter if both sets of supporters were present for the Old Firm encounters.
McCoist said: "It is a disappointment. I understand it, and the bampots didn’t help themselves here at the League Cup final in the morning. Watching all that up here, that’s pathetic.
"They didn’t help themselves but, c’mon, there is nothing like going to Celtic Park with Rangers supporters and, I’d imagine, as a Celtic player coming to Ibrox with a Celtic support.
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"I hope that day comes back, and I’m sure it will come back, but I can understand what’s happened recently, and the didn’t do themselves any favours, the young team.
"I get that and you have to respect the season ticket holders. That is your livelihood as a club, season ticket holders. So I genuinely don’t know what the answer is.
"Absolutely it takes away from it but I understand you have to protect the season ticket holders. They are your bread and butter. But if you are a player it’s not the same.
"I don’t think it drains the atmosphere, that is always bubbling right up, intense. Atmospheres at European games at Ibrox and Parkhead have been brilliant but I enjoy an away support with their growling stubbornness ‘we’ll show these bams’ attitude. I love it.
"Even Guardiola has said about away supports. Said recently about how brilliant they were as he had a go at the home support. I have no problems with away supports because they are your real hardened ones…your, eh, nutters, in sense."
