Rangers manager Philippe Clement and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers

Rangers: Philippe Clement delivers 'strange' verdict as official Old Firm update emerges

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

29 Mar 2024, 1:40 pm

Philippe Clement has reacted to the news that Rangers and Celtic will be allowed away fans at the Old Firm derbies during the 2024/25 season.

In a statement on its website on Friday (29 March) the SPFL confirmed that both Glasgow sides will be afforded a five per cent allocation for away games for Old Firm matches next season.

The rivals have faced each other twice this campaign already, with the Hoops claiming both victories in the Scottish Premiership, with no away fans in attendance but visiting supporters will be allowed back next term.

Speaking in a press conference on Friday (29 March), Sky Sports reported Clement's reaction to the news: "Everybody loves football with two sides of fans singing against each other. Nobody enjoyed the Covid period when there were no fans - it was really difficult, very hard.

"For me, also, it was very strange to play at Celtic Park without our supporters. It was a first for me, a very strange experience. I think everybody, every player, every manager, wants both sides in the stadium."

Rangers set to clash with Celtic fans once again next season

Football is a sport for the fans. But without away fans at Old Firm matches recently, the atmosphere at these games has certainly suffered.

Fans will be jumping for joy at the prospect of an away day, whether that be Celtic fans coming to Ibrox, or Rangers fans travelling to Celtic Park.

However, before that, the rivals are caught up in an extremely exciting Scottish Premiership title race, with just one point separating the two at the top of the table.

Philippe Clement has turned things around at Rangers

Any hope of claiming their second league title in the last decade looked lost during Michael Beale's reign at Ibrox, but Clement has done a phenomenal job picking up the pieces and spurring the team on to success.

Having already lifted the League Cup, and leaving it all out on the pitch during a narrow loss to Benfica in the Europa League, Rangers will have the confidence they can beat their rivals to the Scottish Premiership title, which could result in some rather interesting reactions next season.

In other West Brom news, Ally McCoist has shared a new Johnston transfer admission in a fresh Celtic verdict

For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.