Neil Lennon claims he expects Rangers v Celtic to be pushed back in 20/21
Neil Lennon has claimed that he expects the first clash between Rangers and Celtic next season to be pushed back until supporters are allowed back into stadiums.
The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has led to football across the continent being played behind closed doors in an effort to lower the transmission rate, with no clear indication as to when fans will be allowed into grounds again.
But Lennon has argued that the Old Firm should be pushed back next term to give supporters the best possible chance of being allowed to attend.
As quoted by The Scotsman, the Parkhead boss said: “I do think the authorities will look at it and try and push it back.
“It’ll give us more of a chance of getting the punters back. I think that’s what everyone would want.
“Everyone associated with the game would want that and the clubs would want that. I’m sure the TV companies would want that as well.
“We’re all hoping that [games without spectators] will be a short-term thing.”
Should the Old Firm be pushed back?
In an ideal world, we wouldn’t have to have this conversation, but the reality is that there is almost no chance that supporters will be allowed back into stadiums by the time next season starts.
And bearing that in mind, you can understand Lennon’s argument.
It’s easy to immediately dismiss the idea because it’s been raised by a senior Celtic figure, but realistically, it would make sense to move the Old Firm back.
It’s the biggest spectacle in Scottish football by a country mile, and one that is only added to by the fervency of the support.
From a fan’s point of view, you would much rather see the stands packed out than have to watch such a fierce match against the surreal backdrop of an empty ground too.
The TV companies would prefer it for the same reasons, and given that the fixtures haven’t been drawn up yet, it’s not as if any of the smaller clubs would be directly punished by the plan either.
It may not be the most popular idea, but it does make sense.
In other Rangers news, Report – Rangers could face competition from Cardiff City for mooted target Dykes.