Tam McManus cannot believe Rangers vs Celtic news for Scottish Cup – ‘Did I read that correctly?’
Rangers are busy preparing for a huge double header against arch-rivals Celtic that could define the rest of their season.
The Glasgow giants are set to go head-to-head in successive weeks at Ibrox, with Sunday’s defining league clash followed by a bout for a place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.
Danny Rohl’s side sit second in the Scottish Premiership, four points behind league leaders Hearts and two ahead of Celtic, who carry a game in hand.
With the split coming soon, a Rangers win would have huge implications on the title race, while they have the chance to knock their rivals out of the cup just a week later, worsening what has been a dismal campaign at Parkhead.
The coming weeks will define the campaign for the Old Firm pair, and ticket information has been revealed ahead of the upcoming cup tie, something Tam McManus is in disbelief about already.
Rangers vs Celtic ticket information released ahead of huge derby
As per Scottish FA competition rules, travelling fans are entitled to a larger allocation, resulting in the housing of Celtic supporters in the Broomloan Stand – something that has not happened since Old Firm allocations were cut in 2018.
In the announcement, Rangers outlined that season ticket holders will be able to purchase their seats from 24 February until 26 February, while those moved from the Broomloan Stand will be able to sort their switch on Friday and Saturday.
With prices set at £53, the former Hibs midfielder responded on X, expressing his disbelief.
“Did I read that correctly? £53 for a ticket? Fifty Three Pounds?” said McManus, before also commenting on the £43 junior ticket prices, calling them “shocking”.
Nonetheless, fans of both clubs will not want to miss the opportunity to go head-to-head with a full away allocation for the first time in eight years, with 7,500 Celtic tickets allocated ahead of the tie.
- Read more: Martin O’Neil pressures authorities with comments on Rangers vs Celtic ticket allocation – Exclusive
Rangers set for defining tie in throwback derby
Visiting allocations were cut following the March 2018 edition of the derby, with Rangers falling to a 3-2 defeat despite leading twice thanks to goals from Josh Windass and James Tavernier.
In the recent league outings, around 2000-2500 tickets have been allocated after what was a near two-year period with no travelling contingent at all.
A compromise has been since been reached, with Rangers under the impression that a similar allocation will be granted for a potential future cup tie at Celtic Park.
To further complicate matters, the coming weeks will have a significant impact on the season’s outcome.
With Celtic trailing German outfit VfB Stuttgart 4-1 after their Europa League play-off first leg, the chance is there for Martin O’Neil’s side to go trophyless for just the third time this century.
Rangers have the chance to inflict serious damage to Celtic’s title charge on Sunday, while carrying the momentum into the subsequent cup tie, where Rohl’s side could hammer yet another nail into the coffin after a severely underpar campaign for them.
That would set Rohl up for one final charge at the title, too.
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