BRENDAN RODGERS hopes the Old Firm away ticket agreement is the first step towards a return to bigger allocations.
Earlier today, Sunsport exclusively revealed Celtic and Rangers had reached an agreement to host around 2,500 away fans from the start of next season.
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This season’s final two derbies will have no away fans though, but Rodgers wants to see 8,000 Hoops fans back at Ibrox one day.
He said: “It’s absolutely great news for everyone and it’s something this club have championed for a number of years.
“It’s an iconic fixture because of the supporters, so to be able to get 2,500 supporters into the stadium — and hopefully over time that can grow — is everything.
“The game is about the players on the field and the supporters, especially in this fixture. That is really what makes it, so it’s absolutely fantastic news.
“The aim at Celtic was never to change it, so if we can get back to where it was before it was changed that’d be great news for everyone.”
Away fans have been locked out of derbies for a year after Celtic refused a 700 allocation for last May’s Ibrox clash over safety concerns. The Hoops also took no away tickets for the September derby this season and Rangers failed in a bid to get Parkhead briefs for the game in December.
But the SPFL acted as mediators and an agreement to hand over a Uefa-style five per cent from next season has been reached.
Gers manager Philippe Clement welcomed the news and reckons it will add to the spectacle.
He said: “Everybody loves football with two sides of fans who sing against each other or sing towards each other and to have this atmosphere.
“Nobody enjoyed the Covid period when there were no fans. That was really difficult.
“For me it was also really strange to play at Celtic Park without supporters for us. It was the first time for me and a strange experience.
“Everybody, every player, every manager, wants both sides in the stadium.
“Football is entertainment from two teams. It is a positive thing.”
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