Mark Guidi reacts to Rangers and Celtic saga after latest Old Firm update
Mark Guidi has played down the chances of seeing reasonable allocations for away sides in upcoming clashes between Rangers and Celtic.
In a case that was taken to the SPFL board, they sided with the Light Blues in their verdict that away fans should be allowed to make the trip to Celtic Park, but they were unable to agree on a reasonable allocation because of a lack of evidence from Celtic.
Therefore, the refusal to sell tickets to away fans is set to continue in Old Firm derbies and journalist Guidi has suggested that this could remain the case for a while yet, despite a small bit of hope.
Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show (19 December, 58:10) the Sunday Mail journalist said: “It gives us hope that there is a willingness for dialogue, but I think I’ve said it before, I don’t see it anytime soon getting back to being what we would regard as a reasonable allocation which would maybe be 5,000.
“Even 3,000, I don’t see it getting to that, so if you can’t get to that then I’m all for the stadiums for each derby game being just full of home supporters.
“This was an action that started with Rangers when Dave King was in charge and it has led to where we are now.”
Long way away yet
It seems unlikely judging by Guidi’s comments that the days of big away followings inside Celtic Park and Ibrox are close to making a return even after the positive message that partnered with the announcement about upcoming Old Firm matches.
The entire process of the subcommittee deciding to back Rangers’ stance to then decide to side with Celtic because they failed to cooperate in the process makes this entire exercise pointless. Time and resources have been wasted to arrive at the same destination.
Old Firm clashes are being negatively affected by the lack of away supporters inside the ground. The travelling supporters add an extra dimension to Scottish football’s biggest matches and it seems stupid to continue to prevent fans from making the journey across Glasgow.
It may have appeared as though the statement released was a step towards finally allowing away fans back into Old Firm matches. But Guidi’s latest admission would suggest that no such action will be taken in the coming months.
In other Rangers news, Simon Jordan has slammed Michael Beale labelling the former Ibrox boss a “fool” live on air