Andy Walker slams Rangers and Celtic live on Sky Sports for diluting Old Firm rivalry with decision on away supporters
Andy Walker believes Rangers and Celtic are determined to “dilute and diminish” the Old Firm derby after deciding not to allow away supporters in matches between the two clubs.
The controversial call was made last month that no away fans would be allowed at the last two Old Firm league games of the season after a string of incidents in recent encounters. [Sky Sports, 17 March]
Speaking ahead of Rangers’ trip to Celtic Park on Saturday (8 April), Walker told Sky Sports that he was hugely disappointed at the decision not to allow travelling supporters to make the trip to face Ange Postecoglous’s team in what is otherwise a brilliant spectacle.
“The only thing I would say about Saturday is it is a huge disappointment to me, as somebody who played in this game, that we are not seeing any away supporters,” he said.
“Both clubs seem determined to dilute and diminish the rivalry that exists between the two, and it’s a great pity because it’s a fabulous occasion for any player to be a part of.”
Dampener
Although the Old Firm derby is arguably one of the best derbies in European football, the decision on away fans was simply ludicrous.
Yes, there have been issues at past matches, and yes, the rivalry can sometimes spill over, but it feels like the heart and soul of this historical fixture has been ripped away.
For Rangers and Michael Beale, this makes their already tough task that much harder.
Despite recording an unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership since arriving at Ibrox earlier this season, the Gers have been unable to close the nine-point gap to the Hoops.
Celtic are simply a winning machine this season, and the lack of away fans could leave the Gers in a tricky position if they were to fall behind early on in the encounter.
The Rangers board have taken a huge amount of flack this season, and the decision to not allow away fans at Old Firm matches only added further fuel to the fire.
In other Rangers news, the club have been tipped to succeed in bringing a quality player to the club with the help of a well-placed former favourite