Kris Boyd makes grim Old Firm future prediction after Rangers vs Celtic violence
Kris Boyd has predicted away supporters will be banned entirely from Old Firm derbies after shameful scenes unfolded following Rangers‘ defeat by Celtic on Sunday.
Multiple arrests were made at Ibrox in the aftermath of the visitors’ Scottish Cup quarter-final victory, with Police Scotland describing the violence as “despicable”.
Away supporters initially spilled onto the pitch during celebrations following their 4-2 win on penalties, before Rangers fans joined in with the fracas.
Police officers stepped in to form a barricade, while several matchgoers were left bloodied. Now, Boyd believes drastic action could be taken to avoid a repeat in future Rangers versus Celtic clashes.
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Rangers and Celtic ‘can forget’ away fans at derbies
Around 7,500 Celtic supporters had been allowed to pack into the away end, a larger contingent than usual and the first time the full stand was used since 2018.
However, the decision backfired after the dark side of Scottish football reared its ugly head.
As a result, Boyd, who ominously predicted violence pre-match, says Rangers and Celtic will likely be punished by having their away allocations removed.
“I don’t know why, but going into the game yesterday, you just knew that something was going to happen,” he said on the Go Ballistic podcast. “It was bubbling away.
“I think when you look at the way it’s ended, the football is irrelevant in all this. The behaviour after the game is all that’s going to be spoken about.
“I think we’ve heard the clubs coming out in the past, they want to get crowds back in, but you can forget it. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are no Rangers fans at Celtic Park.”
Both clubs must now wait to discover how they will be sanctioned, with former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett claiming a “top-end” punishment” can be expected.
PFA release damning statement on post-match chaos
PFA Scotland have also condemned the violence from both sets of supporters, while welcoming confirmation that the SFA have launched an investigation.
“Player safety is not optional. It is not negotiable,” a damning statement released on Monday read. “A footballer’s workplace is the pitch.
“PFA Scotland condemns the unacceptable scenes witnessed during yesterday’s Rangers v Celtic match.
“What unfolded is yet another stark reminder of the escalating risks faced by professional footballers in Scotland simply for doing their jobs.”
Meanwhile, Ray Parlour has also predicted that away contingents will be barred from Old Firm matches, with Alan Brazil fearing this will “kill” the historic derby.
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