Rangers v Celtic at Hampden Park ‘incredible’ after ‘diluted’ recent spectacle – Kenny Dalglish
The prospect of a clash between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park has Kenny Dalglish filled with anticipation after recent “diluted” Old Firm derbies.
Ticketing disputes and Covid-19 restrictions have seen away fans heavily reduced, or even done away with entirely, for recent meetings between the two Glasgow rivals.
But with the Scottish Cup semi-final set for the neutral venue of the national stadium that will not be the case on Sunday (17 April).
The ex-Hoops star wrote in his Sunday Post column: “What a game that is going to be.
“I’m really looking forward to it and part of the reason for that is the fact the stadium will be split down the middle with fans.
“There will be around 25,000 from each side and that will make for an incredible atmosphere.
“I’m not in favour of the current set-up between the clubs for League games where only 700 or 800 away fans get in.
“I think that has diluted the spectacle of this great fixture. I hope this can be resolved sooner rather than later and get back to the way it used to be.”
Massive
The upcoming Old Firm could represent the last chance of silverware for Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
With the Europa League return leg against Braga to come in midweek at Ibrox, his side have to overturn a 1-0 deficit or crash out of the competition.
Whether Gers are still fighting on two fronts or just one by next weekend, they have to improve after two damaging league defeats to their rivals.
The home loss earlier this month effectively ended the title defence, and they have yet to prove they can come through a big game without Alfredo Morelos.
Kemar Roofe netted a lovely hat-trick at St Mirren yesterday (10 April) and more of that will be required in the coming matches.
The atmosphere is certain to be electric with a sizeable contingents from either side of Glasgow.
But after the incidents that saw glass bottles thrown from the crowd in the most recent meeting, the club will be hoping there is no more trouble like that.
In other Rangers news, the club have to move “very soon” in the case of one crucial member of the squad.