Kenny Miller reckons Rangers and Celtic risking diminishing "the best derby in world football" by locking out away fans.
Both clubs have voiced concerns about the safety of supporters in the limited numbers situation with around 800 currently allowed into either stadium - and it has now been reduced to zero for the remainder of the season with fixtures lined up at both Celtic Park and Ibrox.
However, Miller - who has played for both sides of the Glasgow divide - believes that the "electricity" of the fixture will disappear with an eery atmosphere predicted when the visitors find the net. The Record Sport columnist called for both Scottish Premiership sides to come together and solve the issues - by putting the "politics" to the side. He said: "The Old Firm fixture is widely regarded as the best derby in world football. But we're in real danger now of diminishing this game by having no away supporters at Ibrox or Parkhead.
"The reason it's the biggest derby around the globe is because of the fierce rivalry. It's not because Rangers and Celtic are the two biggest clubs or best teams.
"It's because of the history and traditions surrounding it - and the fact they're constantly competing against each other for trophies. The fans play a huge part in that and that's why I don't like this decision at all.
"When there is no away support, you lose the energy and electricity that makes it what it is. Some of the biggest moments of my career were scoring for Rangers at Celtic Park and running to the away end.
"Those goals wouldn't be the same for me without that. When I think of my first Old Firm goal on August 31, 2008, after I'd come back to the club - it's clear in my mind. Kevin Thomson crossed the ball and I volleyed it past Artur Boruc to put us 2-1 up.
"I fell on my a**e as I turned to run to the corner. But every one of my team-mates were there with me celebrating in front of that blue corner with 7,000 Rangers fans in it.
"It's an incredible feeling. To think now the likes of Antonio Colak, Alfredo Morelos or James Tavernier could score in that game like I did but not experience that?
"Of course, it would still be an Old Firm goal and no-one could take it away from you in the history books. But the moment wouldn't be the same. Because instead of having 7,000 fans going ballistic, there would be nothing.
"Having away fans creates the atmosphere in the stadium, especially when you score a goal for them. I don't care about the reasons behind this decision or the politics involved.
"Look at the bigger picture of what the Old Firm is and a rivalry that's been there for over a hundred years. This is a unique city, Glasgow, where football is a way of life. You're either one or the other, there's no middle ground.
"That generates everything that goes into the Old Firm derby. And the fans make it. By not allowing them into the other team's stadium definitely diminishes that.
"I really hope the two clubs can get together, get over this one-upmanship and sort it out. They have to put the fixture back to what it should be.
"These clubs have massive fan bases worldwide. I've seen it for myself, watching a derby in Sydney, Australia with 400 fans in a sports bar. That's a special fixture. But we're in serious danger of bringing it down a notch with this decision.
"We're taking a turn away from what makes an Old Firm game and we need to get back to what's important - and return it to what it used to be. That is both sets of fans going at it for 90 minutes in one of the biggest rivalries on the planet. That's what makes it."
