Celtic won't provide Rangers with tickets to final Old Firm after disagreement over Union Bears
Last updated 16 hours ago
Celtic will not provide Rangers with any away tickets for the final Old Firm match of the season at Celtic Park after a disagreement between the two clubs.
The Parkhead outfit have said they would only permit visiting supporters on the condition that Rangers' ultras, the Union Bears, were not given tickets, which was rejected by Ibrox hierarchy.
The previous meeting between the two sides last month ended in farce and violence at Ibrox, when fans from both sets of supporters ran on the pitch after Celtic won a Scottish Cup penalty shoot-out.
A number of fans, stewards and police officers were injured, with official investigations opened by Police Scotland and the SPFL.
Both clubs have released statements.
Rangers' statement reads: "Yesterday, Celtic FC informed us that they will not provide any tickets for the forthcoming game to our supporters unless we agree not to allocate tickets to members of the Union Bears.
"We have firmly rejected those conditions and have referred the matter to the SPFL Board.
"Rangers is fully committed to safety at football matches, and we have been clear in condemning the actions of certain individuals on 8 March. We have been attempting to work with Celtic to mitigate any security concerns for the upcoming match.
"At a crucial stage of the season, the removal of away supporters from one of the defining fixtures of the competition would introduce a clear and material sporting imbalance. It would also set a precedent with potentially significant consequences for the league in future seasons.
"This game is an opportunity for Scottish football to demonstrate that it can respond constructively to recent events. It should be a showcase occasion and a chance to rebuild confidence in how matches of this nature are managed.
"We want what supporters of both clubs expect - a match decided on the pitch, with both sets of supporters present.
"We ask the SPFL board to uphold the integrity of the competition, enforce the rules and ensure that the agreement in place between both clubs is honoured."
Celtic's version is shorter, but does not dispute the content of discussion between the two.
"Following the most recent derby match at Ibrox, Celtic Football Club has engaged in dialogue with Rangers FC with regards to ticketing for the forthcoming game at Celtic Park," it reads.
"To be clear, we are ready and willing to make the full allocation as normal available to Rangers FC, subject to a condition regarding distribution to a particular section.
"Celtic’s priority will always be the safety of those attending Celtic Park, and following a detailed risk assessment with regards to the forthcoming match, the club has made a reasonable request of Rangers FC that tickets are not distributed to a section of supporters which very recently and identifiably engaged in serious violence and disorder involving Celtic supporters, staff, police and stewards.
"To our surprise and disappointment Rangers have not agreed to this request. Celtic are ready to engage further with the SPFL and Rangers FC on this matter."
The league's governing body have confirmed this, saying: "We received a request for a determination from Rangers in relation to their forthcoming William Hill Premiership match away to Celtic on Sunday 10 May.
“The SPFL Board will now appoint a sub-committee to consider Rangers’ request for a determination under SPFL Rule I27.”
There are five games remaining in the Premiership, with Hearts still at the top of the table.
Rangers are one point behind the leaders, with Celtic a further two adrift.
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