Barry Ferguson wants John Bennett to bang heads together at Ibrox amid Rangers controversy
Barry Ferguson has urged John Bennett to “bang some heads” together to ensure Rangers and Celtic fans can both attend next season’s Old Firm fixtures.
The Light Blues travel to Parkhead on Saturday looking to close the gap to The Hoops at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
However, Rangers fans will have to watch the clash on TV after the two clubs agreed that away fans would not be allowed to attend the remaining Old Firm fixtures in the 2022/23 season.
Writing in his latest Daily Record column, Ferguson believes ending the away fan ban has to be a “priority” for Bennett after being named the man to take over from Douglas Park.
“It saddens me that there will be no away fans and I’d urge new Rangers chairman John Bennett to put that at the top of his priority list because this derby is all about rivalry and atmosphere,” said Ferguson (Daily Record, 7 April).
“Bang some heads together and sort it out ahead of next season.”
Spot on
Ferguson is spot on here. Away fans not being able to attend takes away from what is one of the most exciting footballing fixtures on the planet. Considering it’s 2023, it’s concerning that safety issues are still at the heart of the reason why visiting supporters aren’t allowed to attend.
It’s something which simply has to be rectified moving into the 2023/24 season. As for the game itself on Saturday, Michael Beale’s side desperately need to pick up a vital three points. Anything less than a win will almost certainly gift Celtic another league triumph.
It will be interesting to see what team the Rangers manager goes with. Nicolas Raskin could well come into the side to provide some energy in midfield, however, the January signing missed the win over Dundee United and it remains to be seen whether he will feature against Ange Postecoglou’s men.
Rangers simply have to go for it in this one.
In other Rangers news, the club are in line for a multi-million windfall from the Premier League after a £10m Auchenhowie milestone was reached.