Ally McCoist had his say on Celtic v Rangers [Credit: talkSPORT]

Ally McCoist hits out at Rangers and Celtic after nonsense new developments

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:

19 Aug 2024, 10:40 am

Ally McCoist has slammed Rangers and Celtic after it was confirmed the next two Old Firm league meetings would be without away fans.

The SPFL announced on Friday (16 August) that two meetings on 1 September, at Celtic Park, and 2 January, at Ibrox, would have zero allocation for away fans despite a previous agreement.

Any fixtures after these will provide a five per cent allocation for away fans, subject to stadium requirements being met, with redevelopment setbacks at Ibrox seemingly causing an issue.

Speaking live via talkSPORT on Monday (19 August, 9:59am) - addressing a caller's remarks about the Old Firm derbies - McCoist said: "That whole thing's nonsense. It's like two wee kids fighting in the playground.

"You're absolutely right - the biggest selling point of the Old Firm games are the supporters and the atmosphere created. You're spot on."

Rangers and Celtic continue ticketing saga ahead of Old Firm derby

The only thing that the two sides continue to do with their childish bickering is harm the fans' experience of an Old Firm derby day.

Both sides have been without away fans for multiple matches now, which has only taken away from the atmosphere at either Celtic Park or Ibrox.

The Old Firm derby is supposed to be one of the fiercest, most exciting matches in world football, let alone the United Kingdom, but it is just not the same without both sets of fans.

While the Gers have suffered setbacks in their redevelopment ambitions at Ibrox, the whole situation seems very 'he said, she said', which is not a good look for anyone, especially the Scottish Premiership.

Rangers fans cheer at Ibrox

The Scottish leagues are often criticised for the quality of football, and the constant arguing between Rangers and Celtic will do them no favours, with the fallout always covered in detail by the media.

The sooner away fans are reintroduced back into Old Firm derbies, the better. Nobody can argue against that.

In other Rangers news, the Gers are set to prioritise two new transfers before the August 30 deadline as a new update emerges.

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Ally McCoist

Old Firm