Celtic are set to risk SPFL sanctions by refusing to offer Rangers away tickets for January's derby showdown at Parkhead.
The Scottish champions have turned down 700 Ibrox briefs for the first derby clash of the season at the start of September.
This decision is despite Rangers seeking advice of healthy & safety experts ahead of the clash.
Rangers were completely satisfied that there would be no access issues posed to the travelling supporters, something that Celtic had previously highlighted concerns about. Some of the security measures proposed the use of additional stewarding and policing.
It is also understood that netting around the away section had been proposed, but this would not be able to be implemented ahead of the September contest.
Despite Celtic's decision to turn down the Ibrox allocation, Rangers will demand that the Hoops honour their obligation to provide tickets for the second instalment of the fixture later in the campaign.
Rangers have informed the Scottish Professional Football League that they will be looking for a similar number of Gers fans to be in attendance when the two sides meet at Celtic Park on December 30 and fully anticipate expectations will be met.
Rule i27 of the rules of the SPFL states: “The Home club must make provision for the admission of such reasonable number of visiting supporters at every home League Match and Play-Off Match as may be agreed in advance with the Visiting Club and, in the event of their being unable to agree such number not later than 14 days prior to the date of the League Match or Play-Off Match in question, the number of visiting supporters allowed shall be determined by the Board whose decision shall be final and binding.”
Now The Sun reports that Celtic will not offer Rangers an away allocation and the club are prepared to double down on that stance, even if they are warned with SPFL sanctions.
The number of away supporters at Old Firm games have been drastically reduced in recent years and the final two Premiership Glasgow derby games of last season were played without any away fans due to safety and security concerns.
