Rangers: Chris Sutton reacts after ‘massive’ Old Firm development emerges at Ibrox
Chris Sutton has shared his delight at the news that away fans will be in attendance at the Old Firm clashes between Rangers and Celtic next season.
The Celtic hero explained that having the derby played with no away fans took away from the spectacle and was a “bad look” for the game as the fans make the Old Firm what it is.
He did, however, go on to insist that he wished things would go back to how they used to be with thousands of away supporters packed in at Ibrox and Parkhead.
Speaking on the It’s All Kicking Off podcast [4 April], Sutton shared: “They are letting away fans back in next season, Celtic and Rangers, which is a massive step in the right direction.
“It’s a game which is broadcast around the world, it’s one of the most fiercely competitive derbies around the world and I think it was such a bad look for there to be no away fans in either stadium. Fans make matches and it’s a step in the right direction that both clubs are allowing five per cent back in.
“I still can’t wait to get back to the days like when I played, you used to go to Ibrox and have six or seven thousand fans in behind one of the goals and the same at Celtic Park. It really made the atmosphere special.”
Rangers v Celtic development leaves Chris Sutton pleased
The lack of away fans at Old Firm derbies has been noticeable in recent clashes between the two sides, notably in the 2-1 Rangers defeat at Parkhead earlier this season where James Tavernier scored a late free kick to get his side back in it which was met by no reaction from the crowd.
On another occasion, with fans in the stadium, the noise from the away end could have inspired Tavernier and his teammates to push for another, sucking the ball into the back of the net, but the lack of travelling support was made clear.
The debate and concern surrounding away supporters had dragged on for far too long. Not only was it damaging to the clubs and their supporters, but to the spectacle and hype surrounding the game around the world as well.
Ally McCoist and Alan Brazil echoed Sutton’s excitement at the development, as they insisted the right decision had finally been made in what should prove to be good news for both clubs and both sets of fans.
In other Rangers news, Clement has made an “amazing” new admission ahead of Celtic.
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