Ally McCoist hits out over Celtic plans for Rangers clash – ‘It’s a disgrace’
Ally McCoist has weighed in on Celtic’s decision to refuse Rangers tickets for the upcoming Old Firm clash.
The two Glasgow giants will face off on 10 May, but the Hoops have denied the 2,200 fans of the Ibrox side that were supposed to attend.
The Parkhead side want the Union Bears group to be banned from attending the fixture, after the horrendous scenes following the Scottish Gas Cup clash between the sides.
Celtic fans stormed the pitch at the Gers’ ground after their penalty shootout victory, leading to the home supporters doing the same.
A sub-committee of the SPFL board will meet in the week to discuss the issue, and Rangers fans will find out their fate.
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What did McCoist say on Celtic vs Rangers controversy?
The clash between Rangers and Celtic could have huge implications on the Scottish Premiership title race.
As a result, McCoist does not feel like it is fair to deny away supporters from attending the fixture, given what is at stake.
| Rangers vs Celtic this season | Date | Competition | Venue | Result |
| Rangers vs Celtic | 31 Aug | Scottish Premiership | Ibrox | 0-0 |
| Celtic vs Rangers | 2 Nov | Scottish League Cup | Hampden Park | 3-1 |
| Celtic vs Rangers | 3 Jan | Scottish Premiership | Parkhead | 1-3 |
| Rangers vs Celtic | 1 Mar | Scottish Premiership | Ibrox | 2-2 |
| Rangers vs Celtic | 8 Mar | Scottish Gas Cup | Ibrox | 0-0 (Celtic win 4-2 on pens) |
Speaking on talkSPORT on 27 April (9:21am), he said: “It’s a disgrace actually, you know, Celtic fans come on the pitch at Ibrox, of course, Rangers fans should not have reacted the way they did.
“But Celtic fans don’t come on the pitch, there is no trouble at all.
“For Celtic fans to start picking and choosing who they want to come to home games, do me a favour, plus the fact it is not fair, absolutely not fair.
“They have to get that sorted.”
Why McCoist is absolutely spot on
McCoist is spot on, it is an absolutely disgraceful decision from the Hoops, and it reeks of insecurity.
They must be absolutely terrified of the Gers winning the title, and making their own hierarchy look silly in the process.
Their own fans started the drama last time out, and it is a blatant attempt to undermine the integrity of the competition by giving themselves an unfair advantage.
The Scottish FA needs to stand up to Martin O’Neill’s side and force them to allow visiting supporters to attend a crucial contest at a vital point of the campaign.
It would set a dangerous precedent if they allow it, as clubs could just claim safety issues and ban away fans when it benefits their team and what they are fighting for.
That cannot stand, they must disallow it, and ensure that it is fair and there is still integrity in the title race, that is the only possible answer.
If fans do not behave correctly, remove them on the day or have an increased police presence near the pitch, rather than simply banning them outright before a ball has even been kicked.
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