Rangers: Ally McCoist and Neil Warnock react to ‘silly’ Old Firm development live on talkSPORT
Ally McCoist and Neil Warnock were in absolute agreement over the recent Old Firm news that away fans would be allowed to attend matches between Rangers and Celtic.
In a statement released via its official website (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.
Though the Old Firm rivals have already faced each other twice this season, no away fans were present to witness the result. However, Warnock believes that this update is just the start.
Speaking live via talkSPORT on Wednesday (3 April), Warnock said: “I’m so glad that they’re going to let some fans in – aren’t you?”
In response, McCoist said: “Neil, it’s been far too long. Absolutely far too long – there’s nothing like it. Whether it be Celtic fans coming to Ibrox or Rangers fans going to Celtic Park, it’s brilliant. It’s long overdue.”
Warnock continued, suggesting: “If they get away with 5 per cent, and everything goes OK, they’ll push it to 10 per cent. Then, it’ll be back to normal because, I know it sounds silly, but it’s not the same when there are no visitors for an Old Firm.”
Rangers v Celtic is a special fixture in the Scottish Premiership season
Despite facing each other several times per campaign, the Old Firm derby remains one of the most special fixtures in the UK, and even in world football, recognised by fans all over the world.
The situation at the top of the Scottish Premiership makes the upcoming clash even more important, with just one point separating the rivals at the top of the table.
With Rangers showing no signs of slowing down under Philippe Clement, going from strength to strength since his arrival in October, the match could be the defining factor in who finally lifts the league title.
Having already lifted the League Cup after a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen in December, securing the club’s second Scottish Premiership title in the last decade would be an incredible feat, especially in Clement’s first season at Ibrox.
Though history would suggest that the Hoops have a slight advantage, the Gers’ form this season and the impact of the home crowd will be massively important in the Old Firm derby.
In other Rangers news, Craig Moore has shared why Gers fans should now be “nervous” after news that emerged on Tuesday (2 April).
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