Rangers and Celtic open discussions in Old Firm fan saga after SPFL encouragement

Rangers and Celtic have reopened talks regarding the ongoing dispute surrounding away allocations in Old Firm clashes after the SPFL encouraged the clubs to reach an agreement, according to The Times.

The newspaper reported on 15 January that talks are underway surrounding a potential away allocation of 750 fans when Celtic visit Ibrox on 6 April, with the same allocation given to Rangers for the reverse fixture.

750 was also the number of away fans Celtic had previously rejected after being offered the allocation for the season's opening Old Firm clash at Ibrox, as they also refused Rangers' offer to take the same number to Parkhead.

The clubs need to come to an agreement

It is positive that talks have begun again, and encouragement from the SPFL should help negotiations conclude. The report claiming an allocation of 750 could now be on the cards is a big step forward.

However, both sets of fans will recognise that the small number of away fans in attendance will pale in comparison to previous allocations of up to 8,000 we have seen before, and the hope is that we can one day reach those numbers again.

Having both sets of fans attending the biggest games of the season always makes them better. As hostile as things are, the rival fanbases singing against each other, and scenes of celebration are always an addition to a game that needs no invitation to fly off the handle.

The recent Old Firm clash at Celtic Park was yet another thrilling affair - but it was desperately missing fans. After James Tavernier pulled a goal back for Rangers with ten minutes to play (including added time), the usual roar of support from the away end was missing and ultimately dampened the potential of the game.

In other Rangers news, one player is preparing to leave his club with Gers interested.